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Why is my dog still throwing up after surgery, despite normal tests?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Rottweiler | Male | neutered | 120 lbs

So Roc is my cousin's dog. Last week he went in to have a toenail fixed and had to go under anesthesia. When they took him home the vet gave them pain meds to give him. On the way home he was throwing up. Since then he has been throwing up Non-Stop. He's been back to the vet multiple times and has had blood work done and x-rays and everything is normal. They've also tried giving him the anti-nausea as well as taking him off the pain meds and nothing helps. My cousin is at a loss and no more

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2 Answers

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 19th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If xrays and general labwork have been performed already, I would start looking for other possibilities causing this with more advanced diagnostics such as an abdominal ultrasound and GI panel to begin with. Another disease they could investigate is Addison's disease. This would expand the diagnostics to the point of being able to more extensively look into what may be causing this in him. Treatment if any would depend on findings. Good luck!

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    Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 28th, 2018

    Hello, You're right to take Petey into the vet today! Based on what you're saying, I would be concerned about an endocrine disorder called Addison's disease. This is a disease of the adrenal glands that makes it very difficult for the pet to cope with any amount of stress. It can cause intermittent vomiting at first, but if left untreated, can lead to dangerously low blood pressure that often requires a few days of IV fluid therapy to stabilize. Other problems that can cause chronic vomiting in dogs are diseases of the liver and kidneys, stomach ulcers, and sometimes even objects that they've eaten that are stuck in the intestines. I would recommend starting with a full panel of bloodwork and x-rays at your appointment today for Petey to check his overall health and organ function, then making the next decisions based on those results. Feel free to check back in with us if you have more questions along the way. I hope you get some answers about your pup soon! I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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