Dog Dies after Dental Surgery

[ShannonMullaney]

My 9 year od Chihuahua passed away yesterday during dental surgery. He had pre-anesthetic blood work, x-rays, and an EKG. He did have a heart murmur but was cleared for surgery. They said any time you go under anesthesia there is a chance you won't make it but that all the pre-exams looked good. They called halfway through his surgery to say everything was going well. Then I got a call 3 hours later saying that he was in the kennel recovering and all of a sudden his heart stopped. They tried CPR and he did not make it. I am sick over this. I want to know if something else could have been done. I want to know why they didn't use an AED. I want to know why he was under anesthesia so long. I know nothing will bring him back, but maybe some answers can bring me closure.

[Med012]

Did you go after the vet for any compensation of any sort?

[Chloeannon]

My dog went for dental surgery.
One month later he is brain dead. He wees himself. Can't walk falls over, can't hold his head up, can't see, can't reverse he's basically dead.
I got told it was nothing to do with his dental surgery.
And had to put him down!
I hate vets!!!!!

[ShannonMullaney]

I am so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your dog. I personally know how devastating it is for you and your family. Your loss was probably even harder than mine because you got her home and thought she would be okay. It makes me sick to think that a simple dental cleaning took them from us. Now that mine has been gone for a month I can tell you it does get easier, even though the hurt never goes away. I have planted a tree with a memorial, gone to pet loss grief seminars, and gotten his photo on a canvas. There are ways to start to feel better and just enjoy the memories. Knowing they are waiting for us to cross the bridge with them is the most comforting thought I think. I wish you well on your path of grievance.

[ginger899]

I am so very sorry for the loss of your girl.
Unfortunately sometimes a reaction can occur, even though the pre-anesthetic blood-work and tests all show okay to go. Sometimes -though it is quite rare, it can happen.
It is so sad and shocking to you and your family to lose her, I know.

I was worried about anesthetics but my own vet said they are now the safest they have ever been. But there are still risks.

My condolences over the loss of your dear little dog.

[foxyDivasmommy]

Hello,


Im sorry for your loss. My pom has passed way just this past friday.:( She went in for a dental cleaning and was put under anesthesia. She woke up fine, we brung her home. still fine, the next day we all went to work and school. came home still ok. Later on she was making this sound. we thought her gums or teeth may have been given her trouble. So we called the vet to see if she should get more meds. they said no because of her body weight. They told us to come in the moring so they can up her dose of pain meds. (they said her gums may be in pain) I told them she looks uncomfortable. long story short she passed away in my arms :( The vet said her heart prob. couldnt take the anesthesia!. It doesnt sit well with me because we took all test so this wouldnt happen! our dogs are now on the rainbow bridge waiting for us!

[ShannonMullaney]

Thanks for your response ginger. I am still mourning my sweet little guy. Now I am trying to be strong for my two other dogs.

[ShannonMullaney]

Thank you, it has been a few days now and I am coming to terms with what happened. Jus trying to remember the good times..

[ginger899]

I am very sorry for your loss of your dear little dog. Apart from the sadness, you must also be feeling so much shock, as this happened without any warning.
I agree with Margot -your vet performed all the pre-surgical checks thoroughly, and did his best there. They all checked out, so I can see why the vet thought your little one would be ok.
According to my vet, anesthetics are safer now than ever before, and yet there is always a risk.
My deep condolences.

[Margot49]

First, I am so very sorry for your loss and know what a shock that must have been..  I haven't heard if it often but, like people, any surgery or anesthesia may cause death. It certainly sounds like your Vet took every precaution prior to surgery.  Mist, including my own, just usually do blood work and a physical exam.
It may have been a reaction to the anesthetic or too much was given but a toxicology test would have had to have been done.
Any time anesthetic us used on myself, family members or my animals, I get a bit nervous.

[ShannonMullaney]

Thank you, It is so painful and unexpected.

[Maddies_Mom16]

I have no answers for you, but wanted to say I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find some comfort in memories of a happier time you shared with your companion.