Oh I am so very sorry you lost your Nikki. It's always one of the meanest cruellest things life throws at us to lose any loved family member, but it's even worse when it comes as a shock, and a recovery is expected.
That's the unpredictable side of surgery I'm afraid. I know it's not much comfort to you to say "these things happen"...but unfortunately, they do sometimes.
In both humans and animals, there is always a risk that a blood clot will get loose after surgery. It can happen in the very fit and healthy, it can happen in the very sick, it really is a question of the worst luck. And as far as I know, there isn't much the vet can do about this.
Frequently pre-surgery, and often post-surgery too, IV fluids are given to hydrate and regulate the electrolyte balance, so I doubt if this happened as a result of a potassium imbalance.
The clot was one of those classic "surgery risks" by the sound of it, that vets and doctors outline usually before surgery. It doesn't happen very often, but it CAN happen, and not much can be done to prevent it as far as I know.
He would have heard your voice on the phone, it would have meant something to him. At the very end, he probably wouldn't have known what hit him, it would have happened quite quickly. At night-time like that, he probably was sleeping when it happened, or in a dozing state, sleeping off the remains of the anesthetic. I honestly don't think he would have had time to pine for you to be there. I know that doesn't help much. You feel you should have been by his side -I know. I would feel exactly the same.
It was only a short time you knew that good dog and had his friendship, but that time was valuable and wonderful.
It's very sad, and I am so sorry.
Your words are very kind and comforting. Sometimes we look for things we could have done to have prevented a poor situation.Getting through this has been hard. I normally handle stress by talking about it. The person I usually talk to is my boyfriend and each time I bring up my feelings regarding our loss it brings him down. It's been one month as of today and I have had a few days now that I've gone without crying. I've come to realize exactly what you stated; I've had a few wonderful years and lots of great memories. I'm getting stronger and will continue to get stronger as time goes on.
On a better note, we got a puppy on Friday, Dekker. It's the same breed (American Bulldog), but we made sure his markings were very different. Also, now that we have him we notice a huge difference in personality between our Nikki and the new puppy Dekker.
Thank you so very much for your support.
Oh that is good news! Good luck with getting to know Dekker. I am sure he will have a long and happy life with you, who cared so much for your Nikki.
Yes, they are all different aren't they? Different ways of doing things, different characters. I wish you all the best with your new puppy. If there are ever any questions you might have, please don't forget about us all! I am sure there will be someone here with some advice or someone to share the laughs with!
I am so so sorry about your Nikki. Without a necropsy it is virtually impossible to tell what happened. It could have been any number of things, probably none of which could have been foreseen or prevented. Nikki HAD to have the surgery. The remnants of the toy he ate were threatening his life, so no matter what the results of pre-surgical bloodwork were, he NEEDED the surgery. You did what you had to do to try to help him.
ALL surgery, no matter how major or minor, has risks. Whenever an animal (or even a human, for that matter) undergoes anesthesia there is a risk. Nikki knew that you loved him. He heard your voice over the phone, and even though you were not there physically he was comforted by the sound of your voice. Keep him in your heart and he'll always be with you. I lost my beloved Collie not long ago and it crushed me, I feel your pain and loss completely.
Congratulations on having Dekker come to live with you. He will help to ease your pain while you forge a new, lifelong bond with him. I wish you many happy years together!
Ghilly
You guys have all been really comforting. I feel as though you understand. Many people love their pets but often I don't feel as though they completely get it. However, it seems like you guys understand much more cause your passion for pets is noted in your words. I got a card from my boyfriend's mother and near the end it stated, "Time will ease the pain, but the happy memories will be with you forever." I thank you so much for your time in comforting me. What a wonderful community
We hope you will stay around and be a part of our community so that we can see how Dekker progresses as he grows! There is a lot to be learned by hanging out here, and everyone has something to contribute when others come here asking for help. Please consider becoming a permanent member of our community!
Ghilly
Yesterday I decided that I wanted to take a little action. I emailed the major pet supply companies and the manufacture of the floppy moppy toy to notify them of the dangers. I was happy when the manufacture wrote back immediately with sincere apologies and told me my letter would be sent to corporate. The letter was stated in a "just so ya know" kind of way that was non threatening. I feel much better now that I got it out and on paper to someone who may be able to make a change.