sudden death

[robgor]

Looking for any help in understanding.  Earlier this week our 7 1/2 year old goldendoodle Murphy, in what we thought was in "perfect health," passed away while at our vets waiting for his teeth to be cleaned.  Our vet, who my family has used for 20 years, told us he gave him a sedative and when he was ready to begin procedure, picked up Murphy, who immediately collapsed and cpr was given without success.  No one is really sure what happend, heart attack, stroke, ect.  My wife and I (do not have children) are devistated to say the least and would welcome any help with understanding this.  We do know that sudden death does happen in humans and animals, and we are not implying any wrong doing by our vet (?), but this so very hard to understand.

[robgor]

Karla,  thanks for the reply, it's very appreciated.  My wife and I met with our vet over the weekend to gain more information.  Yes, complete blood work was done with "just fine" results.  

Vet told us he administered a small amount of acepromazine and atropine
30-45 minutes before he was going to begin procedure.  Murphy was a very tall and 60 lb goldendoodle.  The small dosage of acepromazine  was
1 mg (enough for a 4 lb).  Implied this was "to take the edge off," and has used this procedure the last 5 years taking care of Murphy.

Our vet told us this is the 1st time he has had this happen in his 30+years of practicing.  We will miss him greatly!  

Rob

[Misfits4Me]

Welcome to the forum...I'm terribly sorry you found us this way...My heart goes out to you & your wife! Normally, when we read these stories, the anesthetic is usually to blame.... However, it sounds as if your guy had a reaction to the sedative or the combination of both, if he indeed was already under anesthesia, also....

Was pre-anesthetic blood work performed before the procedure?  Some Vets make it mandatory & some will give owners a choice....In a 7 year old dog, I would think it would be mandatory (To look for underlying conditions) before a dog goes under for a medical procedure....Was this done?

One of my Vets will not make you do the blood work if the dog has had a full panel within the last 3 months....So, it also would depend on when your guys last blood work was done.....

What I have seen in these cases is that they go into heart failure.....However, that's just a guess without a necropsy (Autopsy) being performed....This would be the only reliable way to find out.....

Again, I'm so very sorry for your loss....I hope time will heal your heart....My sincere condolences....Karla