What Killed My Dog?

[famousbev]

My nearly 15 yr old chow shepard mix died unexpectly Monday.  Previously she had no health problems but a battle with vestibular in December.  Sunday evening upon bringing her in the house she wouldn't move further then the door.  Monday morning we couldn't get her up to go outside...she wouldn't move.  As the day wore on I noticed moisture from her nose and panting like she was struggling for oxygen.  By 4pm she past away in the exact spot she was in all day.  I tried to get her to the vet but I had no one to help me carry her 70 lbs. The grief is unbareable.  What killed my dog?  I fear for the life of her sibling.

[Cliff Redford, DVM]

I understand how difficult that must have been for you. I lost my first pet I had as an adult in a similar manner. He was a 14 year old rescue greyhound and was amazing. It is difficult of course to say what happened but statistically speaking, sudden death in a senior dog is most commonly a heart attack. In your case however, the symptoms you are describing, and with your dog being part shepherd I worry about a tumor on the spleen known as a hemangiosarcoma. These tumors can develop and not show any signs for months and then one day they rupture and internal bleeding occurs. Often the dog then passes away from internal blood loss within 12 hours. I wish I could tell you more info with more certainty, I can reassure you though and say likely the sibling is not at risk of an infectious agent. To be sure have the veterinarian examine him/her in the next week or two.

[famousbev]

Thank you for your prompt reply.

[Cliff Redford, DVM]

First off, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I can onle speak by stating statistics....sudden unexpected death for a 15 yr old dog is usually from cardiac arrest. Being a shepherd chow cross, a tumor on the spleen called a hemangiosarcoma is also likely.
Rarely do 15yr old dogs pass away from anything infectious but to be safe I would still have your other dog checked out by your vet.
Sorry again
Dr
Redford