Which deficiencies are checked in the Texas GI panel when evaluating a dog with PLE?

• A. Cobalamin (B12) +/- Folate (B9)
• B. Folate (B9) only
• C. Cobalamin (B12) only
• D. Vitamin D

Answer: (A)

Texas GI panel checks cobalamin (B12) and folate (B9) because they reflect how well the small intestine is absorbing nutrients, and they come from different gut segments. Cobalamin is absorbed in the ileum with help from pancreatic intrinsic factor; a low B12 level points to distal small intestinal disease or pancreatic dysfunction affecting intrinsic factor. Folate is absorbed in the proximal small intestine; a low folate level indicates proximal small intestinal disease or general malabsorption. In dogs with protein-losing enteropathy, measuring both vitamins helps localize where the gut is not absorbing properly and provides a picture of overall absorptive function. Vitamin D isn’t part of this panel, so the deficiencies checked are cobalamin and folate.