Why Your Dog Vomits -- Diagnostic Tests to Get the Diagnosis

The reason your dog vomits are numerous as reviewed in another part of this section. But how do you know what is the correct cause? Your veterinarian has many tests available to her to diagnose the cause of dog vomiting. The first thing she will decide is whether the condition is emergent.

She will then examine your dog. After this, she may recommend some tests:

• 1) Bloodwork and urine tests: These can check the function of the major organs such as the kidneys, liver and thyroid. The can help look for infections thought the white blood cells in the blood count.
• 2) Fecal Testing: These test the stool sample to check for bacteria, parasites, giardia or other infectious causes.
• 3) X-rays: Radiographs help to rule out potential abdominal causes such as intestinal obstructions or foreign bodies that your dog may have ingested. Sometimes follow-up x-rays are needed to track whether an ingested foreign object is successfully moving through the intestinal tract.
• 4) Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to look at the “architecture” of an organ, such as the liver. It can provide very useful information—and your dog does not need to be sedated to have this done!
• 5) Endoscopy: This test uses a tube with a camera at the tip to look inside the throat, esophagus and stomach. This direct visualization can often lead to the correct diagnosis. This procedure also lends itself to getting a biopsy of the area if needed.