My friend's dog (Irish Setter) is currently being checked by the Vet.  Certain foods are gradually being eliminated from diet (dog has very loose tummy and vomits) and of course has weight loss.

However, I am sure that I remember hearing that there is a digestive disease that prevents nutrients and minerals etc being absorbed normally by the dog, hence poor reaction to food and lack of physical bulk.

Anyone here know of this particular condition that I think I have heard about?

Thank you

It not something I know anything about really but I wonder if you mean Pancreatic Deficiency I believe it occurs in German Shepherds so perhaps someone from that breed may know more.

THere are literally loads of conditions that prevent the correct absorption of nutrients, liver, pancreatic deficiency, small or large bowel disorders, auto immune disorders etc etc etc.

The best way of diagnosis is a) blood testing for allergies, testing for specific conditions such as EPI and biopsies.

Elimination of foods is a long experiment which does not always reveal the trigger and also it is not the most efficient or quickest method of diagnosis.

some irish setters can tend to be a bit on the lean side, but if you are worried about your dog you should have it checked over by a vet as soon as possible :-)

One of my Flatcoat bitches had the Pancreatic Disorder, known as Trypsin Deficiency, where she could not digest fat and she was very ill as a pup.  Once she started on the medication (which she had to have for the rest of her life), she soon regained condition and became the life and soul of the party again!  She had many of the symptoms that you describe for this setter, but obviously, I am not stating that this is what this dog has, only a vet can confirm what is wrong with the dog, it is just a possibility. :-)