What did my dog die of?

[coolhandluke11]

My 7 and a half year old Golden Retriever died Monday 31st March 2008.
3 weeks ago he had a bit of a cough, took him to the vets, injected him with an antibiotic steroid thing he seemed to pick up then his breathing got difficult and he basically panted for another 2 weeks before he passed away.
He visited the vets 4 more times in this period and they didn't know what was wrong. Diagnosis ranged from a sore back to a lump somewhere or evena tumour.
On the last day his tongue was a dark pink and clearly not the right colour. He was clearly uncomfortable when he lay down but this was worst late Monday night (31st March) a few hours before he died. He was ok sitting down though.
He was off hard foods, toast, mixer etc, but was still eating the meat bits of his food.
he was fit as he walked 2 miles a day every day. Most days he trotted with me as I rode my bike or ran, We always went at his pace.
i can't help thinking it was lungs or kidneys that let him down.
I'd really like to know so I can put closure on this. he was much loved family pet and we're all so upset still.
Thanks

[coolhandluke11]

Thanks everyone. I also am of the conclusion that it was heart failure now also. He slowed down about 8 months ago basically. Guess that was the start of it but we just thought he's calmed down. He was always easilly excitable.
The vet didn't pick it up but there would be very little we could have done for the chap anyway with a dogey ticker.

JAYBAY, your last paragraph is superb, thankyou.

I stuck him on U tube and that helped a lot. Shame I only got a digital camera when he was about 4. Still, wonderful memories all the way through.

Here he is, my tribute to Leo and the happy times. Spielberg ain't gonna worry!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXmsB3plwR0

[Jaybay]

I so very sorry for your loss.  Unfortunately, without an autopsy you will never really know what happened.  I recently lost a dog to kidney failure, and your dog's symptoms don't sound at all like that.  There are plently of other things (like a tumor or heart failure) that could have been the problem.  Goldens are notorious for cancer these days, so that would be a good guess particularly since your vet mentioned it.  

Ultimately, the cause of death isn't all that important.  The important things are that he lived, and was obviously dearly loved.  You did what you could with a very fast-moving and hard-hitting illness, so try not to have regrets and guilt over his last weeks.  Focus on all the wonderful years you had together, and I pray that when the time is right, you can give that love and care to another pup.  :-)

[suzi-q]

I am very sorry...

[Misfits4Me]

All these symptoms sound like "Heart Failure" to me. Surely, the vet would have picked up on that!  However, please accept my sympathy for your loss....Hang in there, it does get better.