Sudden Death of "Healthy" Dog...

[greg30127]

This is similar to other posts but slightly detailed so I'll post it:  Two weeks ago the day after Xmas, I came home and my 12yo Shepherd/mix was fine.  She was at least outwardly, a perfectly healthy and energetic dog for her age, and passed her yearly exam only two months earlier.

She went out and used the bathroom normally and came to the back door acting normally.  Then, I saw her lay upright on the ground and start a very very slow, deep, breathing.  She was not choking.  She would not drink water or look directly at me.  She then tried to stand and wobbled up, very unsteady, took a few steps, and her bowels emptied a large amount of stool (not watery, normal), onto the ground.  She walked a few feet more, laid down, rolled over, and breathed the deep, slow, heavy breathing for 3-4 minutes, and then, she died.  She did not seem to be in any apparent pain or panic/distress during the entire thing.  Once she passed, she was just staring forward, and her tongue was "twisted" slightly and hanging out.

We're devastated, as this was completely unexpected and sudden.  Now, on one board I saw one vet say that other vets that say it's a heart attack are "lazy", and that nothing can be even remotely concluded unless a necropsy is done - and even then maybe nothing will be known.   I find it hard to believe with decades of modern veterinary medicine behind us now, that there are no semi-conclusive answers out there since this is happening to quite a few people (?).   I realize without a necropsy there's no way to know 100%, but with the description I gave is it "reasonably safe" to assume this was some sort of sudden and powerful cardiac event, or, does it sound more like a stroke?    Thank you

[Gibbled371]

Hi Greg ... did you ever get a reasonable answer?  This exact same thing just happened to our Basset Hound Louie ... a month short of 10 years ... right down to the breathing and twisted tongue.  It sure sounds to me that whatever event your dog experienced also happened to ours.  Having a reasonable answer to why would be very much appreciated.  We're devastated, as I'm sure you are as well.  Gibbled371

[Becc26]

I've just come across this site and read through I lost my buddy boy a black lab yesterday he was 15 years and 9 months which I know was a good age but nothing can prepare you for the loss he was at the bottom of the stairs yesterday morning whining like he did every morning for us to get up he was pleased to see us wagging his tail and went out into the garden to do his business he came in and ate his breakfast and went back out to garden and came back in and settled back on his bed we said goodbye to him and went off to work I was due to have yesterday off but someone had lost there nan so couldn't work when I returned home buddy had passed he had done a normal stool but there was a pinky fluid as if he had been sick by his mouth his eyes were open and also his mouth, he never showed any symptoms of anything he was a bit dodgery on his back legs but was still playing with my son and walking and eating and genuinely enjoying life so it was so unexpected and the guilt I feel of not being there with him and he died alone will live with me forever my heart is broken and the house feels so empty he was the best dog anyone could of wished for I know we all say that he was my loyal companion and a family member I know everyone says time is a healer but I can't see that

[Eeyore215004]

After reading all theses post  I can not relieve how often this happen. We lost our beloved Annie 4 days ago. She was fine when I came home from work at 10 pm my husband took her out at 3:30 she was fine At 6:45 he heard her thump on the bed so he went to take her out and she was walking like she was drunk. She did her business and usually she shoots across the yard when she does that but she did not so he went out to find her spread eagle she could not walk. He woke me p to say something was wrong with Baby(her nickname) 10 min later she was dead. Like other said she did not think she was a dog. You could walk her with no leash. People could not believe she would not run away. Even people who did not like animals loved her She was one special girl RIP Miss Annie

[Becc26]

I've just come across this site and read through I lost my buddy boy a black lab yesterday he was 15 years and 9 months which I know was a good age but nothing can prepare you for the loss he was at the bottom of the stairs yesterday morning whining like he did every morning for us to get up he was pleased to see us wagging his tail and went out into the garden to do his business he came in and ate his breakfast and went back out to garden and came back in and settled back on his bed we said goodbye to him and went off to work I was due to have yesterday off but someone had lost there nan so couldn't work when I returned home buddy had passed he had done a normal stool but there was a pinky fluid as if he had been sick by his mouth his eyes were open and also his mouth, he never showed any symptoms of anything he was a bit dodgery on his back legs but was still playing with my son and walking and eating and genuinely enjoying life so it was so unexpected and the guilt I feel of not being there with him and he died alone will live with me forever my heart is broken and the house feels so empty he was the best dog anyone could of wished for I know we all say that he was my loyal companion and a family member I know everyone says time is a healer but I can't see that

[Bison36]

Our dog Molly almost 5 years old and in very good health died less than one month after taking her first dose of NexGard. Frontline topical was given previously without any issues.
It is possible that NexGard reacted with something else in our yard such as mulch, other bad water in tray of potted plants, etc. But she did this previously without any bad effects. The only thing that changed  was one dose of NexGard.
Molly was walked, and/ or run daily,  was not overweight and high energy wanting to do something constantly even up to the end. She was given her heart med on schedule and fed only Science Diet dog food. We treated her very carefully. Convinced NexGard had something to do with her sudden death. DO NOT GIVE YOUR DOG NEXGARD.

[Forthevoicelessone]

My 7 year old Lhasa just died of a cardiac arrest. I mean a healthy 7 year old's heart just stopped when he was on his evening walk. Is it even possible? How can there be no symptoms? I never noticed anything wrong with him. He played with other pets, had his favourite biscuits. Went on a walk and just collapsed while walking.He was gone within seconds.  How is this possible? There was suppose to be an indication. Has anyone heard of this before?

[Christina29xxx]

Hi. First of all I am so sorry for your loss. I really do feel your pain. My beautiful 8 yrs 3 month old yellow golden Labrador retriever Harvey passed away so suddenly 5 weeks ago. We are all absolutely devestated he was a huge part of the family so loving and loyal and he was such a character. Harvey was fit and healthy(would never eat rubbish which is very strange for dogs our boy knew what was bad for him bless him) he had big muscly back legs and just the perfect stance. He was so hyperactive & bouncy his whole life, he went on like he was a puppy. 6 months previously he was diagnosed with arthritis in both his front legs which was controlled very well with small dose of loxicom and tramadol. He also took up hydrotherapy which the vet recommended and he absolutely loved it, every week on a Sunday he would be waiting in the morning for us to take him. The day before he passed the Sunday he had a rest from swimming because his hydrotherapist had to cancel as she was ill, we would of never of thought the previous week would be his last swim. For years and years next doors or other cats from the area would come in our garden or walk across the conservatory which wound Harvey up. He would be lying down relaxing in the dining room next to the conservatory getting the breeze from the back door as we always left it open for an hour before bedtime so he could be clean. When he seen or heard the cats he would jump up, bark & chase them in the garden, we were always telling him to leave the cats bless him but no he wouldn't listen it was almost like a game to him and the cats probably. The day after he was meant  to go swimming at about 9:45pm we heard him jump up ran extra fast out into the conservatory then out into the garden then let out a very high pitched yelp. Me my mum & my boyfriend ran downstairs into the garden & Harvey was just lying there on his side front legs out straight. His mouth moved a little for like ten seconds then he did a tiny growl and he was gone. We picked him up and rushed him to the vets within approximately 7 minutes, when we arrived at the vets Harvey's tongue was blue hanging out the side of his mouth eyes wide open ;( the vet said he had suffered a heart attack ;( Harvey never had any heart problems he had an ecg 6 months previously when he had xray which picked up his arthritis and we were actually told by the vet how he had such a strong heartbeat! The last 5 weeks have been pure hell, we are all still in total shock. I felt guilty at first because I know cpr and I couldn't help but think I could of saved him but when it happened we didn't know what was happening, it all happened so quick, we didn't know it was a heart attack, in fact that was the last thing I thought it was ;( Losing your beloved pet so suddenly and in a tragic way like you and I have is the worse thing ever, life is so cruel ;(

[myhusky]

I am sorry for your loss. I am posting this because I too lost my best friend on new years day this year.  Reading these posts gives me some comfort in knowing that this sudden death can happen.  My 7 1/2 year old husky woke up that morning and was completely normal.  She came in the house for a quick bit then I let her back outside.  I went out to go shovel snow no longer then 20 min after I let her out and there she was lifeless on the driveway. Eyes open tounge out and had emptied her bladder.  My heart is broken from this sudden shock. Me and my wife are devestated.

[adityam]

I had a doberman pinchsher,he was 2.2 years old and was probably the healthiest doberman i could ever think of.Yesterday(26th) i was upstairs following my daily routine and my dog(tyke) was downstairs in the basement.After a while i decided to see him so i went downstairs and i saw what i feared the most.There he was lying lifeless.His bowels had passed some stools(which were normal) n he had his eyes open,tounge a bit twisted and out and was blue.He was the healthiest dog in my area and was famous for his athletic build.I dont know what in the world happened to him.

[tonyb286]

Hello. I am so sorry for your loss. When things happen so quickly, there's no time to prepare and the grief comes like a rollercoaster. I have lost a dog that way too, some years ago. It's a horrible thing. But, in some ways, it's a nicer way for them to go ... sudden death means no lingering illness or pain for them and although we are left in complete shock and are grief-stricken, their passing was swift. I hope ver the coming days and weeks, your pain eases, and you can come to a place where you can remember him during happier times.

You are in my thoughts.

Tony

[Joey2016]

My dog died in this way tonight. I am totally grief stricken. There was NO warning. I woke to him in a kind of seizure followed by several more. I knew in moments that he was dying. I held him and watched him go. It all happened so fast and I felt completely helpless. I took him to the Vet ER and while his eyes were glassy and wouldn't close, his body seemed to still be moving (I gather now that was simply the body dying). They confirmed his death, and I left him there after holding him and saying good bye. I have been up all night in complete shock. There were NO signs. All was sweet and well when we went to bed. I have found comfort here in reading your post. Thank you.

[princesfamily]

Thankyou for the Costa Rican saying. We had 10 great years with Prince, our Lab/Kelpie cross but 4 days ago after a normal day he lay down in the garden bed in the morning sun and went to sleep. 30 minutes later he didn't answer our daughter's call. The shock reverberated throughout our family and it is some cold comfort to know this sudden death of our fur babies is not all that uncommon.  We are thankful he didn't have to suffer the pain and indignity of old age with its associated infirmities and passed away in his sleep in the sun. Would that we could all have such a peaceful end.

[princesfamily]

Thankyou for the Costa Rican saying. We had 10 great years with Prince, our Lab/Kelpie cross but 4 days ago after a normal day he lay down in the garden bed in the morning sun and went to sleep. 30 minutes later he didn't answer our daughter's call. The shock reverberated throughout our family and it is some cold comfort to know this sudden death of our fur babies is not all that uncommon.  We are thankful he didn't have to suffer the pain and indignity of old age with its associated infirmities and passed away in his sleep in the sun. Would that we could all have such a peaceful end.

[ChrissyGray]

I am so sorry to read this post however I do understand your pain. You gave her a good safe happy and healthy life.

[Suez453]

I am struggling with the same exact issue and am desperate to know how I can find out if my dog, Buddy a black lab that meant more than words could ever say. I have had problems with a particular individual my son was involved with and a result I have had property damage caused by her. I found a strange looking like a miniture 'dog treat' in my yard and I want it looked at, but not sure where to go to have it checked. It's been 3 months since he passed and I'm not sure if the vet saves blood samples that long. My husband does not want me think that he may be poisoned, but she has done some very evil things. I know I am heart broken terribly by Buddy's loos, but I can't get it off my mind. Would anyone know where I can go to have this 'treat' I found in the yard looked at. Thank you

[InuyashaPR]

I can only guess but maybe where they do autopsy for animals??? At least ask, it's a start.

[bob939393]

I lost my 2 year old , golden lab this way . We have a big yard and she was always so playful and active . Her diet was good . She was never sick , and just the best and healthiest dog there could be . One afternoon she was in our large backyard , running round and round the perimeter of the fence . Full speed . It was quite a sight ! She then came inside , lay down on the kitchen floor , breathing 3 breaths , and then suddenly died !

There were no signs or symptoms . She was fine and in a moment was gone . My grandparents were having lunch at the table and I'd never seen my grandfather cry . He cried strong , but we were all heartbroken and shocked . It happened so suddenly and without cause . She was still just a pup .

[bob939393]

I lost my 2 year old , golden lab this way . We have a big yard and she was always so playful and active . Her diet was good . She was never sick , and just the best and healthiest dog there could be . One afternoon she was in our large backyard , running round and round the perimeter of the fence . Full speed . It was quite a sight ! She then came inside , lay down on the kitchen floor , breathing 3 breaths , and then suddenly died !

There were no signs or symptoms . She was fine and in a moment was gone . My grandparents were having lunch at the table and I'd never seen my grandfather cry . He cried strong , but we were all heartbroken and shocked . It happened so suddenly and without cause . She was still just a pup .

[Sparkysmom2]

I too lost my healthy dog on Dec 21st. Sparky was a Bichon, had just turned 10 and had no chronic ailments. By all accounts his lifespan should have been 4 to 6 more years. I am one of those dog moms who keeps up with all vaccinations/fecal/heartworm tests, did monthly heartworm and flea/tick meds, will take my dog in to the vet because something just doesn't seem right, got him groomed monthly, and even brushed his teeth daily, so he was well taken care of. That evening he ate normally, took a walk,played with our new puppy, took a short snooze, and inexplicably collapsed when he got up from it. Same symptoms as described by so many...no cries of distress, ran and hid under the table, stared straight forward, deep slow breathing. We rushed him to the ER vet and arrived within 10 minutes of the onset of symptoms, but his heart stopped on the way there. Efforts to revive him with injected meds,CPR and ventilation were unsuccessful.  We chose not to do a necropsy because it wasn't going to change anything. The ER vet did say that heart attacks & strokes are fairly uncommon in dogs, and added when it happens so quickly it is usually an embolism (blood clot) which has traveled silently to the heart or lungs. That being the case, there was no way for us to know in advance and also most likely nothing they could have done to save him even if he had suffered the event right in the ER.
Sparky was our heart, our 4-legged kid, and loved by all who met him. I have decided to trust that God simply needed him back. I share your sadness and hope our babies have met up and are enjoying their new lives at the rainbow bridge while they wait for us.  

[MisingPenny]

Hi, I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't know if this might help you or not, but many years ago, as part of emergency medical technician [EMT] training, we all took a bus trip to the Philadelphia morgue for a day with the pathologist. We watched several autopsies in person after an hour or so long video presentation and teaching. There was a 12 year old child who had died at her birthday party because she had been blowing up a balloon when it broke and she inhaled a tiny bit of the rubber, which sealed off her trachea [breathing tube], suffocating her. I think it's possible that your sweet dog inhaled a piece of the plastic bag. Being soft and flexible, it would conform to the inside of the trachea and seal it off. There was another poster here whose dog died with a Beggin Strips bag over her head, and she couldn't understand why her dog couldn't remove the bag, as it wasn't tight on her face. After death it wouldn't be, but when she was gasping, it would be plastered to her face by the vacuum her gasping created. Plastic bags and balloons and similar things are deadly to pets and people. [At the pathologists we also saw video of a MAN who had suffocated with a plastic bag over his head, and balloons are the cause of death for many sea turtles, as the balloons float high, then are carried by winds, eventually landing in the sea, where they are eaten by sea creatures who mistake them for jellyfish.] Please, everyone here, be wary of these bags and balloons. It's heartbreaking when anyone dies. Thank you, Lynn

[tonyb286]

My sincere condolences to you. Losing a best friend is heartbreaking, particularly when you don't know what or why it happened. It sounds like whatever occurred, it occurred quickly, which is a blessing. I hope your heart feels easier and calmer in the coming days and weeks. Tony

[ginger899]

labmixmom,
I am so very sorry to hear the sad news about your boy.
You must feel very shocked, and filled with questions.
How could that happen? What could have been wrong with a completely healthy dog?

I really do not know. I think many vets wouldn't be certain either. It's a thought that he might have had a heart attack.
The only way to know for certain would be to have a necropsy (autopsy) done. But I am not necessarily recommending you do. It will be upsetting, won't bring him back, and will cost you.
However, it would almost certainly answer your questions.

I am so sorry. Bless him, and my heart goes out to you.

[labmixmom]

Kimmy, My 11 yr old black lab mix just died yesterday.  Sounds like the same thing.  I was trying to find answers as to why.  He was fine at 630 and at 930.  But he woke me from a sound sleep at 1145 with that loud, painful sounding howl.  3 Howls.  We all ran outside where he was laying in his doghouse.  His tongue was also hanging out.  We thought maybe a seizure, although he had never had one before.  After about 1 minute, he gasped for air 3 times and was gone.  My heart is broken.  Couldn't understand how a perfectly healthy dog can be gone so suddenly.

[tonyb286]

Hi. I am very sorry for your loss. Sudden death is devastating. I hope you and your family feel better in the coming days, though right now I'm sure you are all feeling the loss very deeply.

Run free Cooper.

Tony x

[Nancydig]

These posts have been such a comfort. My 8 year old wheaten terrier - Cooper- died yesterday. The only signs that something did not seem right was his refusal to go outside. I thought it may have been his fear of the wind or rain. He ended up pooping on the floor (very unusual) and then getting quite wobbly when he stood. He did not want to eat and did not respond to our commands- treat, here. This all took place yesterday. No signs previously except for a refusal to go outside the past few days. In fact, he had a routine appointment at the vet this past week which I had to cancel because I was so "busy". I did not realize he was so sick. Left him home yesterday to rest -with the plan to get him to the vet in the morning if he was not doing well.  Came home after watching my children's hockey game and a quick dinner.  Cooper was gone. We are devastated. Losing a pet suddenly is a pain like no other. We buried him in our yard with a few of his favorite things. Trying to help my children through their deep grief....thanks all for sharing your stories.

[tonyb286]

Hi again. I hope you will come back and let us know what the necropsy results are. I would certainly be interested. I think you are doing the right thing. The laws and regulations for kennels are bad just about everywhere in the world, but you would have thought some countries would be so much better. The UK (where I am) are equally appalling.

I don't know your exact location or much about New Zealand, but it may be worth you talking to a local newspaper about both your story and about the poor kennel regulation laws. Sometimes (I have been a freelance journalist in my long years on the planet) an avid reporter keen to find a story will take up your research for you and try to get to the bottom of things. It's worth a try at least. They won't tend to print anything that's unprovable, but sometimes they have access to official records, complaint lists and other data that may uncover something of a trend with the kennels in question.

My thoughts are with you. Tony

[bonbon1009]

Thanks Tonyb286, much appreciated for your reply. I know i am at this stage that I feel so helpless and hopeless, but the support, understanding and kind words from you certainly give me strength. I know the necropsy might not be able to give me an certain answer, but I think I will go for one despite the cost. I feel I owe my baby an answer, and I will try my best to find it. Im just so gutted that the legislation for kennels is incomplete here in new zealand and there is no governing body for such insitutions that I can find. But no matter the result, I will try my best to search for an answer. I am saddened that my baby has to go through the pain and autopsy etc... but I hope she will know that I love her so so so much, and I would do anything for her if I could. I hope she is free and happy and well looked after in heaven. God knows, I miss her sooo much...

[tonyb286]

Hi. First and foremost ... I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a dog under any circumstances is bad enough, but these were extraordinary circumstances, which I am sure makes you feel both angry and frustrated - and devastated and upset - all at the same time.

I doubt you will ever get to the truth about why your dog died. Clearly, there was a heart condition that was either already there - or was brought about by circumstances. A necropsy may help uncover a few things, which would certainly be useful if you are thinking of taking any action against the kennel owner(s). But to be honest, if your account of what happened is accurate, it should be enough to take them to court, because they acted in a chaotic and unprofessional manner. I would spend some time gathering any evidence you can, have the necropsy done if you can afford it, search for other reviews/experiences from people that have used the same kennels - and write a diary of events as concisely as you can and while you remember them.

None of this will bring your baby back. But it may help others and disclose an unprofessional kennels for the world to see.

Good luck. Tony