Unexplained Death

[garyluer]

Several years ago my wife and I adopted a Golden Retriever/Great Pyrnees mix. As an adult he weighed about 110 lbs with the temperment of a GR and the protectiveness of a Pyrnees. He was also extremely intelligent and training him was a snap. Usually several tries at commands and he'd have them down pat.

Shortly after he got his full growth he stopped eating. We tried everything but he'd only eat people food. A couple of days of that and I took him to the vet where numerous tests, blood, stool, etc. was run. Nothing was found though the vet suspected Lyme disease.

Prednisone was prescribed and his condition improved but when he was taken off of it his deterioration continued and he stopped eating and drinking all together, so much so that we had no alternative to put him down. It broke my heart!

The vet, a family friend, asked if he could autopsy Beau and I gave my consent. Again, nothing was found.

I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

I've just posted a couple of pictures of him on my photo album since I haven't a clue how to post them on this message body.

 

[corykins22]

i have no idea. im very sorry though!

 

[garyluer]

Beau

Maybe this will work. This is Beau shortly before his death several days after his first blood test.

 

[Giny]

Aw, he was a handsome boy! So sorry for his death and even worst, not knowing what caused it. I hope you get some great resources that could help determine his death and put your mind at ease. He sounded very much loved and care for by you and given every chance for his survival.

 

[bubbatd]

What a beautiful dog !!! I'm so sorry !

 

[GSDMom]

sorry can't help you
Beau was a beauty, so sorry for your loss

Bonnie

 

[Debi]

I'm soooo sorry, and sooo very sad for you. (((HUGS)))

 

[Jynx]

sorry for your loss, prednisone is a steroidal anti inflammatory. IF he had lyme disease pred would not have helped, he would have needed to be on an antibiotic..like doxycycline.

I have a very sick aussie right now w/sle (systemic lupus) who is on mega doses of pred daily to try to throw the lupus into remission.

Your beautiful boy's illness will probably remain a mystery which I know can be very frustrating, sorry again for your loss
Jynx

 

[Athebeau]

What a shame, it's strange that nothing came out in the Autopsy

My first thought would be auto immune disorder, I know of so many dogs that just suddenly died as their immune system just shuts down completely. One local breeder was told her Newf died of Lepto; which she would just not believe (big time hazard at a kennel). An autopsy showed it was not Lepto, so the conclusion was auto immune shut down.

Another thought I had was Hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancer that affects teh spleen and blood vessels...most times symptoms are missed and dogs tend to die suddenly without manifesting clinical symptoms. Spayed and Neutered dogs are at a higher risk of developing this type of cancer...but, this should have been picked up in the Auptopsy.

I am so sorry for your loss

 

[garyluer]

sorry for your loss, prednisone is a steroidal anti inflammatory. IF he had lyme disease pred would not have helped, he would have needed to be on an antibiotic..like doxycycline.

I have a very sick aussie right now w/sle (systemic lupus) who is on mega doses of pred daily to try to throw the lupus into remission.

Your beautiful boy's illness will probably remain a mystery which I know can be very frustrating, sorry again for your loss
Jynx

Yes he was on doxycycline and it helped bring his blood levels up to normal, not that they were that low. Took him to two different vets and the second one prescribed the prednisone and his appetite perked up. Vet said he couldn't be placed on it indefinately though.

I do think you're right about the immune system. Poor dog never had much of a chance in life as he also had severe hip dysplasia. Still, he had a good home for the year we had him and I'm very thankful for that time.