Desperate to know why my dog suddenly died

[ashleymurray]

My 12 year old Jack Russell was acting a bit weird yesterday evening. I was bringing the two dogs inside and the Jack simply wouldn’t come up the kitchen stairs. I had to cary him in. I then left to fetch food when I heard the kitchen chairs moving. I went into the kitchen and saw him splayed beneath the chairs and writhing uncontrollably. I sat beside him and tried to move him, and he was completely stiff. That went on for probably less than 10 seconds before he stopped shaking, his mouth opened and his pupils became fixed and dilated. He then became floppy. I also noticed he had vomited up a bit prior to the incident.

I am heartbroken. He probably didn’t get as much exercise as he needed, but whenever we took him for runs he was very out of breath. His vision and hearing lately deteriorated. He was also quite lethargic as of late.

I have researched and researched but the only things that have come up are congestive heart failure, stroke and poisoning (I think the poisoning is unlikely). I just can't believe how quickly it all came about...as I said, he had passed on in half a minute.

I can't do a necropsy as this is not something routinely done where I live.

Can anyone share some suspicions as to what happened to my dog? It brings me closure.

[RobRyan]

I am sorry for the loss of your dog. Are you still struggling with this issue? If so, I can reply to you here or faster via email if you still need help, at answers@immuneiq(com) - Cynthia

[BluCrystal]

I am sorry for the loss of your furbaby.  I used to work for a vet, and this was a very sad part of it.  From your description and what I can recall, I would think something with his heart was the culprit.  Most other causes of death don't take such a short time.  Owner of these dogs have an idea that their dog might die soon (kidney failure, congestive heart failure [this can be diagnosed and the dog may live for quite awhile with it], and various terminal diseases).  At least your dog didn't SUFFER.  That is a big problem with pet owners, not knowing when to let the vet put them to sleep.  Sadly, I have seen too many spend days or weeks suffering because the owners couldn't let go.  Know that your furbaby will never face that, and is now happily rompimg with all the other passed pets in a very special corner of Heaven, waiting for you to come find him. :-)  Blessings - Blu