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

[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