I'm really still in shock, buy my dog of 12 years just died in my arms about 2.5 hours ago, and I really have no idea what happened. He had no health problems known to us. He was a shepherd/lab/collie type of short hair mix, about 70+ lbs.
He came in from outside as he always does and demanded his treats. He went into another room to eat them, and a minute later we heard him barking in a yelping kind of way. We rushed over, and he was on his side like he was having a seizure. He had made a bowel movement of both types, and his body was convulsing.
He seemed alive for a minute, but not responsive to me or my wife. I don't think he was choking. I tried to do some type of CPR, but I think he was already gone. I kept at it, and I thought he was responding, but now I think it was just muscle spasms.
I suppose the total elapsed time was less than a minute. There was no sign of his dog biscuits around, and I couldn't find anything in his throat, at least as far as I could reach.
His name was K.C. (pronounced as Casey).
Go easy old friend.
sorry to hear that Sunil. Thats terrible.
Sorry to hear that Sunil. Losing a dog is really tough.
That makes me so sad. Sorry to hear that my friend.
Sunil, I'm so sorry. That is heartbreaking.
I'm sorry to hear that, Sunil. We only get them for a few years, and they give us everything they have.
It is always very difficult to lose such a wonderful companion. We went through a very similar situation several months ago.
Sorry Sunil. We went through it 4 years ago.
As horrible as it was, KC's soul moved on while being held in your arms. You were there to say goodbye, but only for now. The promise is that someday you will be re-united.
The PB Family morns with you.
i've been there too sunil for my buddy tule (pronounced "too lee") my best pal for 15 yrs. my heart goes out to you and family.
A dog's love is unconditional.
When they are gone their memories remain forever.
I share your loss.
I too, want to express my condolences. In the words of my daughter 15-16 years ago...(with the loss of our beloved Lab)
"Dad, it's like they are always there for you".
We have to appreciate the precious days and moments with our loved ones. These ARE a gift.
best
al
Sunil, I am sorry for your loss.
Everyone, thank you for the comforting words.
The post mortem revealed that my dog's right lung was filled with blood. He had a bruise on his right flank, centered on his rib cage, yet he didn't have any broken ribs. Somehow the trauma was carried through to his lung, which then filled up with blood.
I am not clear on what finally cause him to leave us, or how long he had the injury. I don't know if he suffocated.
I think what I do know is that it was not from natural causes, but instead by a human hand (maybe a car).
Man, I am so sorry to hear that. You're a good friend and I can feel your pain. Would it be possible to see a picture sometime later when you see fit of your dog during some good times?
It would be doubly tragic if someone hit your dog with a car and didn't have the decency to let you know.
I'll try and scan a picture to put up.
I'm still having a hard time understanding how he got bleeding in the lung from an external blow, yet did not have any broken ribs. My dog was pretty smart, and I can't see him getting hit by a car, but who knows.
Bruce, do you or any other MDs on the forum have any thoughts on if that is common?
I know this is a dog and not a human, but still.
There is absolutely no question in my mind that a blow to the side of a dog could cause a lung hemorrhage without a broken bone. All it takes is one busted vessel--and they break a lot easier than bones.
Sunil, I am so sorry for the loss of your K.C. I can understand how you are feeling. I agree with Dr. Condello about the possibility of rupturing a blood vessel without bone trauma. We have a 12 or 13-year-old collie/chow/shepherd mix, reddish brown, chow-like tail, named Scruffy. We live off of a busy highway and it is my greatest fear that he will someday get hit. He is pretty well trained to stay in the back of our property, but you never know about that one rabbit or squirrel. He is mostly a housedog. I hope your sadness will not be with you for too long a time. I can tell how much you loved your dog. K.C. was just as lucky to have you as you were to have him.
Thanks claybird, I appreciate that.
Can you, Bruce , or anyone else comment on how long the rupturing of a lung's blood vessel would take to end a dog's life?
I know that we can't be specific, and that there are a lot of variables. I'm just trying to figure out when this would have happened to my dog.
So I'm just talking in general terms now.
In my case, my dog was outside for about 30 minutes. After he came in, he died within about 5-10 minutes, all the while acting 100% normal, until the last 60 seconds or so.
I'm just a dentist, but we do see the effects of ruptured vessels during frequent oral surgeries performed in our office.
A ruptured vessel can be an insidious thing. We've seen people with extracted wisdom teeth that left with little of no bleeding suddenly bleed out two to four hours later. Once the patient even had to go to the emergency room. A slightly nicked vessel perhaps? But could kill them just the same.
Trying to extrapolate from my dental experiences, but I could see two different scenarios.
1. A small vessel ruptured by the impact, slowly bleeds until the lungs are filled and death occurs.
2. A small vessel is damaged, but doesn't rupture immediately, then begins to bleed later. Arteries are likely to be more of a concern than veins. More pressure means a more rapid bleed. I've seen patients mouths fill to the top and then overflow in less than twenty seconds.
Pure speculation obviously, but I strongly feel that the lack of a fractured bone would not preclude a traumatic bleed out.
I want to say somethin but what do ya say ? the lose of my best bud skeeter or my cowdog jake i just cant go there . i do feel for ya
Im so sorry, we can cry together. It sounds to me like KC had a wonderful life and was well loved, its not fair they are taken from us so soon. My heart goes out to you and yours.
Sorry, Sunil.
I believe our dogs can tolerate a great amount of pain at times. I know my Lab of 13 years would not have a little pain get in the way of his treats.
The healing takes some time, we're thinking about you.
My condolences to you, Sunil and your family. Dogs love unconditionally and give their loyalty to us for their short but memorable lives.