My Bulldog died suddenly. Was fine and then within a minute, dead.

[adam2101]

Of course, a million things run through your mind when something like this happens.  For me, it helps to understand what may have happened.  I hope someone has the answers but, understand that they can only be speculation.  

My 6 year old Bulldog Francis, was in excellent condition.  I've always feared him growing over weight as bulldogs often do so, kept him on a very healthy diet.  He has always been in the best health.  He was not subjected to any trauma that I'm aware of.  

After a night of sleeping he was laying on the floor near the couch doing more of what bulldogs do, sleeping, when he got up took a few steps lost his balance and fell.  He appeared to still be groggy from waking up.  He then peed on the floor (which he never did).  This was certainly a loss of function.  My girlfriend then ran to see that he was having some labored breething and fading fast.  She held him did a few finger sweeps thinking maybe he had something lodged in his throat.  His tongue turn VERY PALE and WHITE.  He kept looking at her like he was scared and kept fading out then would come to for a second then fade out again.  He then defficated and took his last breath, or vice versa.  

Of course my girlfriend did everything she could think of at that point including CPR and RB.  His tongue then turned very blue.  The tongue streched far out hanging to the floor was the only indication (or biggest noticeable indication) that he was no longer with us.

I know bulldogs often die young but, he really was in great shape and well taken care of.  He gave no prior signs of anything wrong.  Very sudden and unexpected.

Current theories:  Heart Attack (didn't seem in pain)-----  Aneurysm (could this account for the white tounge?)-----  Pulmonary Embolism ( mayabe why he stood up and quickly lost his balance in a dizzy-like fashion)

Could any of these be correct and why?  Is there another theory that fits better?

Please Help me find the answers.  Thank you so very much!

[jillysilly]

I believe these sweet healthy Franchies who died suddenly after collapsing, with a white tongue, had Hemangiosarcoma, a form of canine cancer that causes tumors to form on the liver, spleen, and/or heart.  These tumors go unnoticed, the dogs remain very healthy and active until they suddenly burst, causing massive internal bleeding.  Dogs with short, light colored hair are susceptible to this type of cancer, which can start as a small skin tumor.  My boyfriend's Frenchie has these small red spots and I am encouraging him to take him to the vet asap. I only learned about this type of cancer after my niece's dog collapsed and couldn't stand.  She was able to get him to the vet and it was discovered that he had Hemangiosarcoma tumors on his spleen and one had ruptured, he is bleeding internally.  He did survive, but he has another tumor the size of a grapefruit still waiting to burst. He was a very healthy dog until he collapsed.  It's such a tragic cancer, unknown until it's too late. My condolences to each of you who lost your baby to this silent killer.

[Moopingaey]

My little good boy just pass away for 2weeks. He is a very nice and lovely bulldog puppy, just 4 months. I came back home from my work and found he's no longer with me. Some amount of blood on the floor and his body seem rigor and strength his legs. I feel my world is dark, ruin and my heart is broken. I love him so much. I cried every day and night for over 2 weeks. I miss him so much. Before he pass away , he still naughty, active and ate normal. I hope that he's not suffer at the time he gone. Nobody beside him at the time he passaway and that made me so suffer. RIP my little angle Mooping. Hope to see you again in one day...

[Miss_Caroline1212]

Yesterday morning our beautiful and faithful Fiona 8 almost 9 passed. She had always had a skin condition and was at vets just a few weeks ago blood work came out fine urine fine everything fine. She was off all medications for over a month. Only thing was omega 3 and salmon made fresh daily by her daddy. She went out did her thing and daddy carried her in because her legs are weak. He noticed she peed on her bed . I didn’t like that and she usually attacks my feet when  I leave . She didn’t but i had to return and then she did so i was ok she is acting normal. I had to babysit my granddaughter and my husband was home he said she threw up and he cleaned it up and her. He had to go bathroom and when he came out she was gone. We are beyond heartbroken. Stories I’m reading tell me that this is something a lot of bully parents suffer from. Mind you she was #6 we are big fans of the breed and each gave us a heads up that something wasn’t right. She had just been at vet and was up to date on everything

[cosis1]

Just lost me bulldog in a very similar manner. He was 11 and very old. He did still get around (slowly). I came into the room and noticed his head was laying in his own drowl. His breathing was slow. He wasn't really struggling. It was kind of peaceful. I did my best to try and get his attention. I picked him up and looked down his throat. His heart was still beating by stopped after a minute. I am glad I was at least with him when he went. A few minutes later and he would have died all alone.

[cosis1]

Glad to find this board as I know I am among a lot of other people who loved their dogs.

[Itambill]

Thanks to everyone here for sharing their stories.

I just lost my 6 year old English bully.  I left for vacation on a Tuesday and got a call from the sitter on Thursday telling me he was dead.  She told me she let him out Thursday morning and he was fine and when she returned a few hours later, he was lying dead next to a small amount of vomit.  The vet told me there was blood coming from his nose so it could have been some kind of bleeding, but she couldn't have been sure.

This has been extremely difficult.  When I left Tuesday morning there was no signs of anything wrong and he seemed as happy and healthy as ever.  I can't help but think that if I was there I could have done something to help him or could have prevented whatever happened.

Looking back, there may have been some warning signs - it always took him a long time to "recover" from physical activities - for example he'd pant for at least an hour after a short walk. He had fainted once before after coming in from the rain when he tried to shake himself dry.  In that instance I was able to grab him and stabilize him and he was totally fine within minutes.

He was the sweetest dog I've ever known.  Not a mean bone in his body.  It kills me to think I wasn't able to say goodbye and that he was all alone when he passed.  He didn't deserve that.  I got him when he was 5 weeks old and he was my guy since day one.  I can't believe the last time I'll ever see him will be him standing there looking at me as I closed the door to leave for vacation.

All I can take from this is that we got to spend six great years together.  He gave me so much and i know he felt loved.  I am thankful that he will never have to suffer through illness, old age, or becoming a shell of younger more energetic self in what would have been his final few years of a natural life span.

This forum has helped knowing I'm not the only person to experience this.  Don't know how long it will take for me to get past the pain of not being there with my guy in his final moments or the guilt of thinking I could have done something.
He came to me in a dream last night and we got to hang out for a bit.  I only hope he continues to do so.

[Itambill]

Jj