It might be worth insisting on the fancy PCR fecal, just to really cover it. After so much diarrhea, a traditional fecal might have a hard time picking up signs of parasites? Has anyone mentioned something like salmonella as a cause, or testing for it?
I feel you on piecing together ER care and trying to get in with your regular vet. It’s SO tough right now 
Hopefully things continue to go well!
a limited ultrasound may or may not pick up a FB or lesion if they did not hit the subject just so. serial fecals as some parasites may not be found during mucoid diarrhea and conversely some parasites cause mucoid diarrhea / colitis
No, salmonella has not been brought up, but I will add it to my bingo card.
The fecal (not submitted yet) is billed as “IDEXX Fecal O&P WHR and Giardia”. Any ideas if that is the fancy PCR one? If not, I’ll ask. Or submit a pile of 
and pay extra for another PCR one. My counselor tells me I am a better advocate for my animals than I am for myself when it comes to medical stuff.
My gosh, I am lucky to have SO many ER vets local to me. My preferred ER vet was actually closed last weekend when I wanted to take her in, just to give their staff rest. But I have my vet’s ear now…and she seems fond of hound dogs…
Thank you!
I will get a better idea of what this more comprehensive ultrasound will entail on Monday. You give me good questions to ask.
I am also not opposed to storing multiple samples in my fridge. Mr Yankee is used to it (horses). I am not against paying for more fecals. Seems minimal at this point…
Yay! A high quality (but small) poop!
Plenty for multiple fecal test…
Hooray for good poop!
The PCR test is called “Diarrhea RealPCR™ Panel (Comprehensive) with Fecal Dx® Profile—Canine (3808)”
And checks all of these things:
Camplyobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, canine circovirus, canine distemper virus (CDV), canine enteric coronavirus (CECoV), canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2), Clostridium difficile toxin A/B gene, Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin (CPA) gene Quant, Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) gene Quant, Clostridium perfringens CPnetE/F toxin gene Quant, Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., and Salmonella spp. RealPCR™ tests; fecal ova and parasites; hookworm, roundworm and whipworm antigen immunoassays. Includes quantification of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPA, CPE and CPnetE/F) genes if PCR positive.
It might be overkill if the poop is solid, but sure does tell you a lot.
What is her normal kibble? Is it Diamond or Taste of the Wild?
It is Purina Pro Plan, chicken and rice, large breed
Oh good, then likely not salmonella at least.
Probably the final update for Lily…simply because it seems resolved!
Lily had her abdominal ultrasound today. Everything was super normal. The vet walked us through each diagnostic of the ultrasound (ie: spleen, this is what it means. Gallbladder, this is what we might see, etc).
Her fecal was negative for giardia, and other antigens (I saw the parasite types on the screen, but no printout, I forget which ones) which the vet says is more accurate than looking for eggs.
With unremarkable lab results and good consistent stools, the vet is ready to rule this as a severe belly ache. We discussed switching her to the Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach and Skin, once we finish the regular Purina Pro Plan that we have. Given Lily’s age, she thought that was fine.
So…to answer the original question I asked…yes it is worth going to the ER vet. At a minimum, they were able to rule out obvious obstructions and suppress the nausea. I would also add that the additional diagnostics (exams, lab work, fecal, ultrasound) were totally worth it to know that she is good and that there are no other obvious red flags. All in all…I think we are in about $2,200. $1,000 of which was for 2 ER vet visits. Totally worth it to save my rugs and peace of mind!
(PS: she was also a vet favorite today at the office. She was on her very best and charming behavior)
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