Dog-Markley

Question
My cousin has a dog that is currently being seen by a vet for vommiting and 15 pound weight loss.  They have run bloodwork and taken x-rays only to find a high WBC and low protien.  They also did a barium study which showed nothing.  They want to open the dog up for an exploratory because they are leaning towards a tumor growing I am a tech at another practice and was telling her that she should have an ultrasound done to see what it shows but they do not have one.
I was just wondering what your recommendation would be.  

Answer
Certainly an ultrasound would be less invasive and there are many referral practices that she could go to for an ultrasound.  However, that may or may not give the answer.  If there is an obvious tumor, yes it will show up but if there is just inflammation of the stomach or intestines, a biopsy would be needed anyway for diagnosis.  If a suspicious area is found, a scoping could be done after the ultrasound, which again is less invasive than an exploratory.  The only good thing about the exploratory is that the entire GI tract can be physically examined as well as the other organs, biopsies taken of anything abnormal, and if a tumor is present, it can be removed at that time....and if your cousin is contemplating further treatment with chemotherapy in the case of cancer, this would save time for the dog by getting as much done in one procedure.

Was a urine tested to see if the pet is losing protein in the urine?  Was a Lyme Test done?  I have seen protein loss in the urine due to Lyme Disease and subsequent Lyme Nephritis, which could be a possibility.  Was a TLI done to check pancreas?  How about a B12/Folate to check for bacterial overgrowth and mal-absorption in the intestinal tract?

Was a diet change tried?  If not and your cousin wants to try symptomatic treatment, then I would recommend a hypoallergenic FISH & POTATO diet that is free of corn, soy, by-products, dyes and preservatives such as those made by Verus, Wellness or Natural Balance.   Also, adding digestive enzymes to the diet can help the body better process the food which can lead to less protein loss...I would recommend Dancing Paws SHAKE N ZYME www.dancingpaws.com

Best Wishes.