Low albumin

The only blood level that is out is low ablumin.  She has had 2 urinalysis and both are fine, no protein and no infections.  Her stool results were also no protein, no infection.

both of those would typically involve chronic diarrhea --

1.  Low fat diet would be for the Lymphangiectasia -- but has the vet put this dog on a high protein diet?  Supplemented with the typical A, D, E & K vitamins? 

2.  IBD would be far more common -- again you'd see chronic diarrhea. 

Given that we don't know you nor the history here -- I'd wonder if the vet had tried to correct with a higher protein diet (in Lymphangiectasia the body doesn't absorb protein) -- but I would think -- at least for me -- I'd try to go to the next level with diet (probably contacting someone like Monica Segal (http://www.monicasegal.com ) to have her work with your vet to do a homecooked diet that might be better absorbed.  You could also use Mordanna (Sabine Contreras) - I don't happen to know the URL for her. 

If Lymphangiectasia is diagnosed (and ultimately they do the ultrasound to try to find the striations that may indicate the Lymph problem) they may want to put her on steroids which is a big step.  If the dog is totally asymptomatic I'd think the vet would want to correct with diet if possible.

If you can afford the ultrasound it's a test typically done.  But if she's totally not symptomatic (which I get the feeling that's the case?) then working to correct it by diet would be a good thing. 

 Good luck.  Steroids can be an absolute life-saver -- just not something to go to lightly is all.  Didn't mean to jump to conclusions here -- but not knowing if this dog is symptomatic at all makes it tough to respond.

Thanks for the info!  She has NO other symptoms, no diarrhea, no weight loss, nothing, she seems totally fine ... the only reason we know the albumin is low is from the blood test she had when I took her for her heartworm check up.  Which is why I"m so sceptical!! 

We have only tried a low fat diet, nothing else and it did not change the albumin level.  I can afford the ultrasound but my concern is it really just rules things out, will not tell me what is wrong.  Her liver and kidney levels from the blood test were normal also.  The vet is then suggesting a biopsy which again I'm hesitant to put her thru when she has no other symptoms and seems totally fine. 

 It's all a little overwhelming ...

I would pursue a diagnosis.  Some people confuse Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the latter is a big deal as is the possible Lymphangiectasia.  Not all dogs are symptomatic and the conditions may only be found during routine blood work.  This link might be helpful.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1381

ETA If you're skeptical about your vet's recommendations you might want to get a referral to an internal specialist or take her to a veterinary school for a second opinion.

JackieG

I would pursue a diagnosis.  Some people confuse Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the latter is a big deal as is the possible Lymphangiectasia.  Not all dogs are symptomatic and the conditions may only be found during routine blood work.  This link might be helpful.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1381

ETA If you're skeptical about your vet's recommendations you might want to get a referral to an internal specialist or take her to a veterinary school for a second opinion.

After your comments that the dog is totally asymptomatic, I truly agree with Jackie -- sometimes catching things early is important, but for such pretty major things going to a vet school or specialist can be the best way to cut to the chase or find out what's really up.  A vet school can be really cutting edge and cheaper, it all depends on where you are.  But your comment about how skeptical you are  .... I wouldn't drop it, but pursue maybe with someone different.  But if there are no symptoms you won't *know* all is ok if you just change the diet -- that's why I was asking.

Once you get a diagnosis you can figure out how to correct.

 Welcome to the forum. I agree with the others about pursuing a diagnosis. One of the side effects of low albumin can be that the blood clots more than normal, which can be dangerous. I've worked with both Monica and Mordanna and they're great. Monica will work with your vet. Callie linked Monica's website; this is Mordanna's website; her real name is Sabine Contreras;

  Better Dog Care, Better Dog Nutrition - Creating Healthy Lifestyles for Canines: Main Page

  Ultrasounds can do more than rule things out; they can reveal if any of the organs are abnormal, such as enlarged kidneys or lesions on the liver.