Dear VetBabble,
I have a concern about my dog who has been vomiting for about a year now. We have consulted the vet, and he ran blood tests and an ultrasound, but nothing seems to show up. My dog is currently on hydrolyzed food and budesonide, which has made him feel better, but he still occasionally vomits. Should we consider a consult with an internal medicine specialist?
Understanding Chronic Vomiting in Dogs
Dear concerned pet owner, I’m glad to hear that you’ve been proactive in seeking help for your dog’s vomiting. It can definitely be troubling to see your furry friend experiencing ongoing issues like this. It’s essential to remember that vomiting can occur for a variety of reasons, some of which may be more challenging to diagnose than others. Our article on Vomiting in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & When to Worry can provide a deeper understanding of the potential causes and ways to address them.
Possible Causes & Recommended Diagnostic Tests
Your initial efforts to manage your dog’s symptoms with hydrolyzed food and budesonide are a good start, but when the symptoms persist, it’s essential to consider other potential underlying causes and diagnostics. Some possible causes may include gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction, GI parasites, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), food intolerance, and pancreatic issues such as Pancreatitis in Dogs: Symptoms and How to Treat.
At this stage, it may indeed be beneficial to consult an internal medicine specialist who can recommend advanced imaging techniques like endoscopy. This test allows for a direct visualization of the GI tract, which can help identify potential blockages, foreign bodies, or inflammation. Additionally, the specialist can collect biopsy samples during the procedure, which can be submitted for histopathology to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Other options for diagnostic testing may include a fecal test to rule out parasites, a hypoallergenic food trial to determine if there’s a food intolerance, and further blood tests to assess pancreatitis and other conditions, as covered in our article on Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?.
Considerations & Preventative Measures
Once you have a better understanding of your dog’s condition, it’ll be easier to develop an effective treatment plan in collaboration with your veterinarian or specialist. In the meantime, try to keep a journal documenting your dog’s symptoms and any possible triggers – this information can be invaluable for diagnosis and treatment.
In some cases, chronic vomiting might be a sign of a more severe condition like Bloat in Dogs: Is a Preventative Gastropexy the Answer?. If you feel that your dog’s vomiting is becoming more severe or that his condition is declining rapidly, it’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary care.
Through continued vigilance and collaboration with your veterinary team, you can help ensure that your dog receives the appropriate care to manage his vomiting and maintain his overall health. Remember, you know your dog best; if you feel concerned about his condition, do not hesitate to consult a specialist for further guidance.
Best of luck, and I hope your furry friend starts feeling better soon!
