Lisa C-
Rule number one when a dog is vomiting is to avoid large meals. He will probably vomit like hell given that he is already doing so, and if you fed him enough volume to distend his stomach, it will expand further and the poor thing may vomit it all before morning. MANY small meals throughout the day works best for “re feeding” a dog in his condition. Kudos to the vet for refusing to put an emaciated sick dog under anesthesia. Truth be told, I was shocked when you said he was having surgery in that condition. Chances are he may not have woken up from anesthesia, and/or vomited while under and aspirated.
You already know that he is not digesting dry and canned, so I reiterate-why not try some premade raw?? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain if it works, including your dogs life. The description the vet gave means he is emaciated, not thin or skinny and his body will start breaking down muscle tissue. IF something simply like raw does not work, then you need to discuss running malabsoption testing( I know that is misspelled but in a hurry, lol) $30 for raw versus several hundred in testing. Try the raw! It may not work, but its easier/cheaper/faster to check then running more bloodwork.
