Dog dies suddenly

[Sandygirlzmama]

Our 9 year old golden had a mamory gland tumor. We were to have it removed in a month. She had been staying with a family mmbr until we moved. They told us she had vomited a few times . When we went to see her she seemed a little slower than usual. This was on the weekend so on Monday we planned to take her in to the vet. When we got to her, she was not responsive. We carried her in. Her breathing was labored. X-rays showed no tumors in her lungs, or abdomen. Blood work showed some dehydration. They started an IV, and kept her. They called in the a.m. and said she was having a hard time breathing and they had to breathe for her. We started to the vet but didnt make it in time. She passed...and they have no answers for us. They said the IV would have taken care of the hydration. What could have happend??/Please help us..i sit here typing as I hear my 13 yr old sobbing loudly for her dog....its 12 a.m. Please help us.....

[Jaybay]

I am so terribly sorry for you all.  Something was obviously very, very wrong with your dog that went undetected until it was far too late.  There are many things that can show no symptoms and result in no cause for alarm until death occurs.  The same thing is true for humans.  Sadly, our bodies aren't always in perfect working order.

Without a post-mortem exam (autopsy) you will never know exactly what happened.  We all want to know in cases like this.  It's like being granted absolution in that somehow having our helplessness confirmed makes the death easier to bear.  It was NOT your fault.  You did nothing wrong.  The vet did nothing wrong.

It's a hard thing knowing that our animal companions will never live as long as we do.  Some day we have to say goodbye.  What helps me through the grief is focusing on the great lives my critters had.  The end and what caused it are of little importance.  It's the love, care and companionship that came before the death that are important and meaningful.  :-)

[chihuahuagrandma]

Welcome to the dog forum, you know,,,,I couldn't not be forsure...but, I have seen people here post to the vet forum...over to right of this screen, see, "ask a vet" Dr. Cheng, and the vet response w/very informative info...
Blood work only showed dehydration? Hum, maybe your dog had a heart problem you were unaware of, enlargement,,labored breathing onset is quick and death is quick..
Very sorry for the loss of your pet, I know our beautiful night time skies are loaded w/twinkling stars that respresent all the deceased pets...so, now theres another star with golden's name who is gaurding the heavens to await your arrival on day, some call it rainbow bridge....maybe one day in the future your love for your golden can love again another pet who in need of a pet owner like you full of compasion and w/heart...