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Why did our dog die suddenly?
I've been reading these discussions and gotten some comfort. Our 7 yr old golden retriever just died suddenly, and it's driving us crazy, so I have to ask the same question.
Copper is a big (95lb) golden retriever, healthy except for a small tumor removed a year ago. He got his routine vets checkup June 15, and had a clean bill of health (including palpating the abdomen, where the tumor was).
4 days ago, we noticed in the morning he had not eaten his dinner. He showed no other signs of discomfort, no vomiting etc., so we watched, but thought it might just be loss of appetite from the heat (It has been very hot here, and he seemed to be avoiding the outside). So we let him rest, gave him lots of cold water, which he drank well. I hosed him off that evening outside and noticed he did not shake the water off, something he usually does enthusiastically. That evening, he sort of declined to go on a walk with our son, so he tried again in the morning when it was cooler, but the dog did not want to go then either. I took him for a walk in the afternoon, hoping he was feeling better (this is the 2nd day since he didn't eat dinner), and he went very slowly around the block, but peed and had a bowel movement. That night he started labored breathing, we took him to the ER, and he died in our arms.
We are all devastated, and were so shocked we buried him the next day and did not think to bring him to the vet for a necropsy. So it's driving us crazy. Can anybody put 2 and 2 together on this? I thought it might be GDV (twisting of the gastric tract), but he was missing one symptom, bloated stomach. But in retrospect, the failure to shake his fur coat after getting wet might have been significant. Help us understand if you can.
Copper is a big (95lb) golden retriever, healthy except for a small tumor removed a year ago. He got his routine vets checkup June 15, and had a clean bill of health (including palpating the abdomen, where the tumor was).
4 days ago, we noticed in the morning he had not eaten his dinner. He showed no other signs of discomfort, no vomiting etc., so we watched, but thought it might just be loss of appetite from the heat (It has been very hot here, and he seemed to be avoiding the outside). So we let him rest, gave him lots of cold water, which he drank well. I hosed him off that evening outside and noticed he did not shake the water off, something he usually does enthusiastically. That evening, he sort of declined to go on a walk with our son, so he tried again in the morning when it was cooler, but the dog did not want to go then either. I took him for a walk in the afternoon, hoping he was feeling better (this is the 2nd day since he didn't eat dinner), and he went very slowly around the block, but peed and had a bowel movement. That night he started labored breathing, we took him to the ER, and he died in our arms.
We are all devastated, and were so shocked we buried him the next day and did not think to bring him to the vet for a necropsy. So it's driving us crazy. Can anybody put 2 and 2 together on this? I thought it might be GDV (twisting of the gastric tract), but he was missing one symptom, bloated stomach. But in retrospect, the failure to shake his fur coat after getting wet might have been significant. Help us understand if you can.
http://youtu.be/LYl7CiQXx7E
Few memory's of the many walks everyday which we both loved, wish you could be still here, MISS YOU SO MUCH:-)
sadly Vigo died On 24th Feb 2012 with kidney failure, he was just 4 years 7 months, but the short time he lived he had a great life and we miss him so dearly, he was such a lovable Shepherd and never showed anger, he always showed affection, miss or walks everyday but will always remember the many memory's we had together, you are in our hearts always loved one!! http://youtu.be/gK7x87lU-ls NEVER FORE YOU
Few memory's of the many walks everyday which we both loved, wish you could be still here, MISS YOU SO MUCH:-)
sadly Vigo died On 24th Feb 2012 with kidney failure, he was just 4 years 7 months, but the short time he lived he had a great life and we miss him so dearly, he was such a lovable Shepherd and never showed anger, he always showed affection, miss or walks everyday but will always remember the many memory's we had together, you are in our hearts always loved one!! http://youtu.be/gK7x87lU-ls NEVER FORE YOU
First sorry to you all about your dogs, I am a owner of 6 Golden retrivers.late last night I went to the bathroom and I noticed my Herculese did not follow me, he was a 6 year old Golden my best friend I found him on the floor with his toung hanhing out all purple, and his body stiff, also found urin and poop next to him. I loved my dog very much RIP Herculese we all love you. I love all my dogs and will do anything for them. My question is why? Only 6 years old no problems at all no signs, regular visits to the vet. He was always the more active one and always the slimest and we always asked the vet they always said same thing he is in perfect condition. So my vet will be cremating my Herculese. After that cost I have no funding to find out why? What signs do I look for and what do I do to find out. He was only 6. Ok now for all of you dog owners, and lovers I wish you the best of luck and happy days with your animals you never know when the last day will be God Bless.
Hi John. Just caught up with your video on YouTube. Wow. That is an emotionally charged film. I am so sorry for your loss. What a fantastic and happy dog Vigo was. His life may have been all too short, but he clearly loved every minute sharing it with you. Run free Vigo. Tony
Hi. This is the second post I have read this morning of beloved dogs dying in much the same way, suddenly and without any warning signs. I am so very sorry for your loss and reading it brought tears to my eyes, as I know only too well how heartbreaking it is. Sadly, there is little chance of anyone saying why your dog died - other than it may have been either a seizure or a heart attack, as it happened so suddenly. This may have been a genetic (physical) ailment or abnormaility that may not have shown in any prior vet examinations and unfortunately, without there being any earlier symptoms, there is absolutely nothing that could have been done to prevent the inevitable. Herculese passed away all too soon, but rest assured that he enjoyed a fantastic life, particularly living in a pack with you and your other dogs. Run free Herculese. Tony
Hay John sorry for your loss. After loosing our 5 Year old Golden for no reason at all, I find myself here to look for answers all I know is it hurts, everyday you ask yourself what did I do wrong and you remember everyday he greeted me slept in my bed next to me followed me everywhere and I loved everything about him he was also so soft now the warmer weather is here I feel it most we used to play with the water hose and jump in the pool, anyway all we have is memories I love him always.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_8iahu597o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_8iahu597o
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