Vitamin B12 and Folate
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Overview
Serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations may be useful in diagnosing small intestinal disease in dogs and cats. Historically, the tests have also been used for diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth/antibiotic responsive diarrhoea, but the characteristics of these conditions and the clinical utility of the tests for this specific purpose is a source of controversy. A single serum sample is required.
| Abnormality | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Low folate | Disease of the proximal small intestine |
| Low Vitamin B12 | Disease of the distal small intestine, EPI |
| Low/normal Vitamin B12 with high folate | SIBO/ARD. Folate is normal or increased with EPI |
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