Vet at FirstVet answers:
If a dog has recurring problems with vomiting and diarrhoea a clinical work-up is usually recommended. The work-up is catered to the individual, and therefore differs from case to case. The following is an overview of what a work-up may involve: Often the vet starts with recommending a special diet, usually an easily digestible one or one that is used for patients with allergies. Anti-nausea medication may also be prescribed. If the change in diet and anti-nausea medication do not help the next step would be taking a blood test and faecal sample to see if there are any underlying diseases that may be causing the symptoms. Red and white blood cells, liver values, kidney values, glucose, blood protein, Vitamin B12, folic acid and pancreatic values are usually assessed. If the blood tests results are normal the next step would be to visually evaluate the stomach and intestines through endoscopy (a long tubular camera), and taking small biopsies from any affected areas. A diagnosis is usually reached after a pathologist has assessed the biopsy samples. It is then often easier to find out what types of diets and medicines that will be of most help to your dog.