Let me first say I am so sorry about your sad loss!
One of the most common causes of sudden death in a middle aged dog is hamangiocarcinoma, or a sphenic cancer that has burst suddenly into the abdominal cavity. There can be no outward signs of sickness, just extreme weakness. It is very hard to save these pets because after the tumor bursts it causes massive internal bleeding. If the pet survives there is still the sequellae and necessity of having to deal with the cancer which may have already metasticized.
Rat poisoning and some other cancers can cause similar problems. Your vet would have to have done a post mortem to find the exact cause of death.
I am so sorry to hear about your Buddy- Please know that I totally understand and feel your pain and all of your second guessing about what you may or may not have done to cause or prevent this. Yesterday our Buddy (5 years old) died suddenly. I am still in shock-he was such a part of our family. I don't feel as if I will ever be the same. Please email me privately if you want- ***@****
sorry about you dog my rabbit just died on thursday so i know how much it hurts pleases take care
hobe
Thanks for everyones comments. It's hard when you don't have any answers. I think about him every minute. I now wonder if there is something in my house or environment that caused his death. Given I have children, I can't help but worry. The vet says it to late to do a post mortem.
I guess I will never know what happened to my poor Buddy....
I am sorry to hear this story...It is such a great loss when our dear friends leave us. I recently lost my dog and I know how real the grief and mourning is. May you soon find peace in the memories of you pal. Peace.
Very sorry to hear that. Maybe he had a stroke or heart attack, it can happen. I lost my Westie like that when he was only 8 years old.
The Vet maybe only asking questions to determine cause but he should have told you it could have very well been due to natural causes.