Lab work

[jeanne & Lilly]

I brought Lilly to the Vet today, and asked him to do a GI panel. He first gave me an estimate of $495 I looked at the list of tests to be done, and it looked right to me. Maybe I should have done a little more reading before going in.
So this is what is to be done: Basic T4, B12/ Folate, TLI, and a fecal Giardia. He said the results should be back in about 4 days.
Should I bring Lilly back and ask for a full panel thyroid test?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have never seen the T4 included in a GI panel, and the fecal for giardia is a separate test.

I'd wait until you get the results of the GI panel before asking for further testing.  

[jeanne & Lilly]

Ok, thanks. Maybe he just wanted to R/O Giardia since she's had it in the past.
Do you think the T4 was unnecessary?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think there may be a reason that I'm not aware of for testing the T4. 

[jeanne & Lilly]

All Lilly's tests are back, parasite, T4 and TLI were negative or in normal range. Her B12 level was low at 213, Vet suggested B12 shots once a week for 4 weeks. Then once a month for 3 months, and retest.
This could be the cause of the diarrhea she had?

Meanwhile, I left strict instructions with my DH to give Lilly only chicken and sweet potato, while I went out of town for 4 days. Day one he followed instructions, for whatever reason, the next 3 days he gave Lilly 3/4C Honest kitchen with chicken once a day and chicken with sweet potato for 2nd meal. And her stool looks normal! I spoke with the vet today about the blood work and this, he said if her stool is fine continue with HK. But, my last attempt of adding HK went well for a few days before she had loose stools again. What to do?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's likely that the same thing that is causing the diarrhea is also responsible for the low B12: a malabsorption disease like IBD. 

Giving the B12 injections is necessary to correct the deficiency, but that isn't going to fix the underlying problem. There is most likely some inflammation and/or ulceration to the GI lining which is preventing Lilly from absorbing B12 from her food, and also preventing the formation of normal stool. 

Normal range for B12 is 284-836. 

I'd say your next step should be a consultation with an IMS. 

There's no harm in continuing with the HK, maybe you'll get lucky. If not, see suggestion above, lol.