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A reader asks the question:

I had my dog in this morning for blood tests and physical. She was vomiting and diarrhea. All the blood tests were normal except for a low AMYL which was 427 and the normal range is 500-1500. The vet said the decreased level didn’t mean anything, that only a elevated level would indicate something was wrong but I read online Decreased amylase levels may indicate:
Damage to the pancreas Kidney disease Pancreatic cancer
so I am worried and I don’t have the money for a second opinion. I know you can’t give a professional diagnosis not seeing my dog but I hope you can comment on my vet telling me the low AMYL didn’t mean anything was wrong. The vet gave my dog some shots and fluids and said she was ok and didn’t think the vomiting and diarrhea was anything serious.

Please be advised that this answer is for informational purposes only and does not take the place of your veterinarian’s advice. 

Dr. C responds:

While vomiting and diarrhea can indicate severe conditions such as pancreatic cancer or kidney disease, the majority of time these symptoms are caused by something less life threatening such as dietary indiscretion(getting in the garbage, people food, eating something outside that is decaying or rotting and even changing brands or types of food) and resolve in 24-48 hours.

Your veterinarian is correct in that it is a high amylase is the most significant because it can indicate pancreatitis. A low amylase is lot less concerning and if kidney disease or pancreatic cancer there often would be other indications on the bloodwork such as a high BUN(blood urea nitrogen) and Creatnine which are both kidney values and/or a low glucose.
 
My suggestion would be to talk to your veterinarian if you are concerned and if her vomiting and diarrhea does not stop within the next 24 hours or if she seems worse, take her back in for revaluation.