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Ask the Veterinarian/Vomiting on an Empty Stomach

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Expert: - 5/26/2010


Question
My 3 year old terrier, vomited yellow, foamy fluid early this morning.  I offered him light food (rice and vegetables) to eat and water.  He refused.  Although his behavior this morning was a little sluggish, this afternoon he is behaving normally, but still refusing his food (although he wanted some of my lunch).  What causes him to vomit on an empty stomach?

Answer
Any time a dog vomits up yellow foamy fluid it usually means that the dogs pancreas and bile ducts are inflamed. Acute pancreatitis is from a dog eating something new or fatty, like a little piece of bacon in the morning or ham.

Other liver problems will also cause a dog to vomit bile. The most common cause however is the above.

The best thing to do is fast your dog for 24 hours then feed him rice and baby food chicken until he is back up to par. Cut out all treats and people food- for good.

You can give small carrots for treats or larger ones are like a bone to them.
If your dog is still vomiting or off his food by tomorrow then you need to call the vet. Untreated pancreatitis can be fatal.
I hope you didn't give him any of your lunch.

Dogs that get pancreatitis once are prone to get it again and it will strike without warning but always after eating something they are not used to eating.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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