Dog died after surgery, WHY?

[lucyluu177]

My dog grew had a small wound on her neck. Size was smaller than a dime.  I took her to the Vet in April 2009. They suggested that they cut around the wound and stitch it up.  I opt not to do the surgery and went home with antibiotics and topical creame for my dog.  The wound never got better.  I took her back to the Vet December 19, 2009 at 10am, The vet suggested they proceed with the surgery and to pick her up the same day.  He said it would be a minor sugery but wanted to do a biopsy to determine the cause. The vet also sadi they would do labs to make sure surgery could be performed. I agreed.  At 3pm i received a call from the vet saying that my dog woke up from surgery but then had complications and couldnt not breath.  He said they did call they could do to try to save her but she didnt make it. I asked for an explanation and all he could say was to wait for the biopsy to determine the cause of death.  I do not think the biopsy will tell me why she died, She was fine before surgery and something went wrong during surgery.  How will I ever find out what happened to my dog? If i knew she was at risk, i would have never agreed to do the surgery.  Was there a test that was not performed? Was it too much anesthesia? I did ask the vet if the anteshia was too strong, he said "no" because she woke up from surgery.  I need help, please can someone help me find out how my dog died??? What specific questions should I ask the vet? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[tanying]

A related discussion, Labrador Retriever's Death Mammary Tumor was started.

[lucyluu177]

Thank you for your prompt response.  I will definatley talk to the vet again. Hopefully I can find some closure. I feel so lost at the moment. Its very hard to accept this and I wish it could have been prevented.  Thank you again agoldman.

[Arnold L Goldman, D.V.M.]

Dear Lucyluu177,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Such a loss is never easy to accept, least of all when it is so unexpected. Its a tragedy for all concerned: your dog, you and your doctor, who Im sure is feeling badly and questioning what might have been done differently if anything to foresee or avoid this. This event is one every veterinarian dreads and to prevent the vast majority take extraordinary steps to avoid.

That said, none of us here on MedHelp can answer your question with any authority as we were not present in the operating room or more importantly in the recovery room.

Assuming your dog was otherwise healthy, had normal lab work and a normal electorcardiogram prior to anesthesia then it is likely something that occurred during or after the anesthetic episode led to her death. Common peri-anesthetic problems include low body temperature, low blood pressure abnormal heart rhythm development and breathing problems due to airway or lung problems. Your own doctor is best situated to offer a reasonable explanation.

Please accept my condolences and on behalf of the veterinary profession, I am saddened by your loss. Do talk to your doctor about your feelings and if an autopsy was done perhaps the answer will be there.

Sincerely,

Arnold L. Goldman DVM, MS
MedHelp