Question:
This morning I had some blood work done on my miniature dachshund Dick and the vet told me he has very low protien. What does that mean? What causes it? What cures it?

Answer:
Low protein could mean many things. I guess right at the onset I would start monitoring for weight loss as being the biggest indicator of whether this is a more serious problem.

Low protein means he is either not eating enough protein or if he is, he is either not digesting it or absorbing it properly. Secondly if that is not the problem, he may be losing it before he can utilize it eg he may be losing large quantities when he pees, which would indicate a problem with kidney function.

Both conditions have very different meanings and diagnostic approaches and treatments and would require a lot of factors to examine including doing a stool parasite test, do a urine test to test check for protein levels in the urine, examining the possibility of food or digestion intolerances or deficiencies.

It is likely that a recheck on blood will need to be run in the near future and that a step by step approach would need to be taken to determine whether low protein in this case was an incidental finding or whether it indicates something medical.

Good luck and remember to monitor the weight weekly - it will be a good indicator. Let your vet guide you on the direction to follow.

Martin Slome DVM

Centre Street Animal Hospital
7700 Bathurst Street Units, 40-42
Thornhill
Ontario
L4J 7Y3

Tel. (905) 771-9855

Answer:
I have a dog with the same problem. She was diagnosed with low protein in a blood test as she had been losing a lot of weight. In addition whenever she eats she usually threw up her food some time after. She was checked for intenstinal blockages, which came up negative.We were told that this might have been irritable bowel syndrome, and that she should only be fed hypo-allergenic kibble, steamed chicken and fish, pasta, rice, and supplementaries. This was fine for a few weeks but now she has started throwing up even the "friendly" food, and losing weight again. The food she throws up looks as if it has been barely digested, even if she throws up some hours after eating. Being as she is only nine months old we are very concerned. Does anyone have any advice on this problem?

Answer:
Have you tried to feed small amounts of food?

Your dog may have lowered digestive enzymes, something to consider.
Supplements may help.


http://www.goodpet.com/library/enzyme.html

Answer:
In May 2004, this message was posted by user name DOC. My Dog currently has the exact same symptoms and we can't figure anything out. If Doc sees this or anyone else knows anything about this, please contact me!: #3 May 2nd, 2004, 11:42 AM
Doc
Junior Member Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1

I have a dog with the same problem. She was diagnosed with low protein in a blood test as she had been losing a lot of weight. In addition whenever she eats she usually threw up her food some time after. She was checked for intenstinal blockages, which came up negative.We were told that this might have been irritable bowel syndrome, and that she should only be fed hypo-allergenic kibble, steamed chicken and fish, pasta, rice, and supplementaries. This was fine for a few weeks but now she has started throwing up even the "friendly" food, and losing weight again. The food she throws up looks as if it has been barely digested, even if she throws up some hours after eating. Being as she is only nine months old we are very concerned. Does anyone have any advice on this problem?

Answer:
I doubt DOC will be able to get this. Sometimes members join for one reason and never come back.

As for your baby, what did the vet say to you about the low protein? Did they give you any guidance or advice as to what could be causing this or what path you can go on to help your baby? Any suggestions on types of food or anything?

Answer:
Hello everyone,

I found this posting through a search engine when I searched for low proteine levels in blood. I am from the Netherlands and have a very sweet 8 year old West Highland White Terrier.

We have done extensive blood testing on our Westie. Initially the problem was that her hind legs appeared to be getting weaker. Not that she was limping or had trouble walking, but she was having trouble jumping on couches and standing on her hind legs only. Other than that she was lethargic and didnt eat properly. She also lost some weight. The only tests that were abnormal were her thyroid gland (slow) and her proteine levels were low.

SHe got better though and regained the strength in her hind legs (although not quite as strong as the were previously), she started eating more and was more active. She gained back some weight as well.

A month after the first tests and about two weeks after she looked better we did the proteine test again and it was ever so slightly better but still way too low. So we had her urine tested to see if that was how she was losing it. This was not the case. Now the next step will probably be an endoscopy, where they have a look inside with a camera (?).

What I am wondering about is what are the things that low proteine levels can indicate?? What are the prognoses and treatments? I know there are several possible causes but I would so much like to know what to prepare myself for. The doctor was reluctant to say anything because she wanted to discuss with the internist first.

I am extremely worried so any help from any of you would be much much appreciated!

Thanks,

a Westie Lover

Answer: