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

[tonyb286]

Hello. I am pleased you found us here, though I am saddened at the circumstances. I am very sorry for your loss. I am as certain as I can be that your vet is right, this was a heart attack, which means there was nothing you or anyone else could have done to prevent it. Unfortunately, when symptoms are not present (as in Roxie's case), it means things could have been happening slowly for quite a long time, but no one would have or could have known.

She had lived to a good age. I know that's not consoling, but it's a fact. And I can tell by your posted message that she had lived a fabulous life, rich in love and kindness, and part of a wonderful family. If she could, she would thank you for everything you gave her, including the adventures, compassion, affection and companionship. What dog could ask for more.

Run free Roxie. Tony x

[Rockdoggie]

My beloved baby Roxie died suddenly on new year's eve.  She was a 12yr old daschund.  A few day's before that she was perfectly fine running around and begging for treats as she always did.  two days before she died she started laying around more than normal and started eating and drinking less.  Then I noticed she had labored breathing while she slept.  The next morning she was panting heavier so I called the vet right away and got her in.  He took an dray and said he could see fluid around her heart and was the beginning of heart disease.  He said her heartbeat was beating fast but the rhythm and everything else sounded fine.  He said she would need to be on medication the rest of her life but she should start feeling better soon as he had given her a shot of lasik to get the fluid out.  Intook her home.  She walked over to sit on her favorite blanket.  After a couple minutes she just raised her head, looked over at me and her head just fell back.  I ran over to her and she had passed.  I wasn't sure because I was so shocked.  I wrapped up her up and brought her back to the vet immediately but she was gone.  He said most likely it was a heart attack.  I am in such shock and have been crying non stop ever since.  My sweet husband and son have been trying to console me but they are hurting too,  this little dog had such a profound impact on our lives.  She was my soul mate and was such a beloved member of our family.  I don't know how start living normally again.  This morning I started doing research and started reading all the comments from others who have lost their beloved perts as well and thought it might help me if I shred my story.  I have never participated in any type of social media so this is unusual for me.   I feel horrible reading everyone elses sad stories but I do think sharing does help.    

[tonyb286]

Hi. I am very sorry for your loss. If allowed to, dogs will sometimes eat some fairly disgusting and quite dangerous stuff. It's in their nature to scavenge on almost anything edible. But ... some of the things they will eat are not good for them and can cause blockage, bloat and trauma to the esophagus and digestive tract. In some cases, blockages can be fatal. This is one of several possibilities with your dog. The twisted tongue is indicative of a seizure, which may also have occurred due to internal trauma or also possibly a heart attack.

The truth is, without further investigation, you may never know what actually happened.

My condolences to you. Sudden death is hard to take in at first, and particularly at this time of the year. Tony

[brutusboy]

Hi , our dog just died suddenly.  He was always eating the worst stuff( feces , underwear etc..) but he never showed any illness. I am just shocked as the day after christmas he  just got up and pooped on our floor, no whining to go out or anything. After we let him out I was waiting for him to appear at the door to come back in, when he didn't I whistled for him and when that did'nt bring him in I became concerned as this was not typical .  Then I found him in our woods with his tongue twisted and still warm.  I am still in shock.. I have been racking my brain trying to figure this out. I was wondering if all of you posting could tell me what dog food your dog eats.. Just trying to find some comonality here.

[tonyb286]

Hello. I am truly sorry for your loss, particularly at this time of the year when grief seems that much more intense. The sudden death of a beloved best friend is hard to take in. Sadly, our dogs never live as long as we would like. But in their short lives, they manage to fill it with adventure, loyalty, love, compassion and boundless energy - all thanks to the owners that care for them. Run free Moo. Tony

[moo316]

my dog moo died today the day after christmas and seem to of had the same signs as a lot of your be loved pets i thought he had been poisoned but after reading all of your loses i dont think thats what happened and i wont ever no what really happened the only thing i had seen him do in the past he loved his ball and a couple of times while i was playing with him he had got drowsy and looked like he was drunk i stoped him sat  him down got him some water and five minutes later he was fine the vet said he was over excited so i dont no if it had something to do with it or not he did not do it before he past that i no because we found in the morning when we woke up im sorry for every ones lose and i feel all your pain i have not stoped cry all day