Pet's sudden death

Heart failure or poisoning would be my guesses - especially if there were no symptoms whatsoever (I would think you would see prior symptoms with a kidney problem).

If you want to further the discussion - how old was he?  Was he outside unsupervised?  Anything at all unusual about him beforehand?

I am very sorry for your loss - I know how difficult this can be.

 

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Oliver's Mom

7 years old; outside unsupervised; I suspected same as you; poisoning, even anti-freeze consumption, or heart failure; I'm just a teacher with no medical background.

Thanks, I concur, will never know due to lack of necropsy due to Holiday "no vet" syndrome

 It's just so sad this had to happen.  You could look around and see if there was anti freeze or other potential poison in her path that day.  I guess the bottom line is we can't change what happened - it was his time. 

Again, I so sorry for your loss - take care and do let us know if there is anything else you need.

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Oliver's Mom

Thanks, again; BUT I was hoping for a veterinarian, not a "trainer;" however experienced....I did concur with your answer; it was about what many individuals might have surmised, though. I don't think you're qualified as a Veterinarian; perhaps a good Humanitarian! Good Luck.

Was your dog on heartworm medication?

Dr.Vamvakias

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Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian

No; had bought some; was hesitant to administer; I've heard that once they've started, if they have, it can't be reversed (?)..Thanks

If you want my honest opinion...both with kidney failure/poisoning/etc. you see clinical signs...they are fast but not alive one minute and dead the next.
If your dog was an outside dog...there is a chance that there were clinical signs that you didn't see...because you wouldn't notice vomiting and diarrhea as much as if he was doing it in your house.
Many times these outside animals are not feeling well, but when you come out for the moment...they run and jump.


When I think of a dog that is about 7 years old that dies suddenly, I first think of trauma. Next I try to determine if the sudden part was truly sudden or was there small signs but not noticed.
If your dog was a 100% okay and passed the next, my instinct is to think heartworms....and since you live in VA and did not use heartworm prevention...I would guess that is what it was..especially if the day before was active. They do end up having a heart attack sometimes with heartworms.

In any case, the signs you described that you saw on your dog are all post mortem (after death) changes...the urination is normal.

I am truly sorry for your loss and I hope that this sheds some light on your situation.

Best regards,

Dr.Vamvakias

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Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian

Unfortunately, I paid for a less comprehensive answer from a "20 years experience/TRAINER" of dogs, on this site; I had asked for a Veterinarian; I think the site needs to ban those that are not qualified/are not meeting the technical requests of the clientele.

Actually, this site is designed for anyone to answer a question if they feel they are knowledgable in that area. The site is looking at altering the site so that if you specifically want a vet or vet tech, you can request. But for now, there is no specification.
With all that said, I answered the question to provide you with more information.
FYI "Oliver's Mom" is not a vet or tech but she offers good advice and has helped many people and their animals.

Best regards,

Dr.Vamvakias

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Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian

Thanks, I had asked for Vet, initally; new to "arena" Best Wishes for a Happy New Year

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It is very possible that it could be poisoning or heartworms.

Regardless both responders gave good information and both have been extremely helpful in the past. Oliver's Mom is usually very thorough with her answers.

Again, my thoughts are with you over the loss of your pet. I had a cat die from antifreeze poisoning several years ago. It was heartbreaking. Heartworm protection is very important in this area of Virginia (I live about an hour away from you).

Also, just for your information, you can accept more than one answer - the way this site is set up, if you find helpful information in more than one post you can choose to accept both. 

Edited by Rev. Taosuki on December 30 2004 at 2:05am

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~ Rev. Taosuki

Please let me know if I can offer further assistance! I hope you found my answer helpful - if you need clarification please just ask me!

I have no problem seeing if we can refund your acceptance to me.  I will have our Moderator contact you.

 

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Please reply to any questions or let me know if you need further assistance!Otherwise, I hope you have found this answer satsifactory and worth acceptance!
Oliver's Mom

Thanks, everything is fine...it's been a little hectic lately; Happy New Year!

 It's no problem really!  I already sent a message in so let's see what's possible and go from there.  I appreciate your generosity of being okay with it, yet I do not feel comfortable accepting money that deserves to go to another Specialist or have a customer that is not 100% satisfied with our service.  So let's just see what we hear back!

Happy New Year to you too!  Hectic?!?! That's an Understatement!! Images available only to Customers.



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Please reply to any questions or let me know if you need further assistance!Otherwise, I hope you have found this answer satsifactory and worth acceptance!
Oliver's Mom