Gutted - my German Shep just dropped dead tonight - Page 18

selzer · 08-30-2011, 12:53 PM

Bloat is when the stomach is producing gas and it turns shutting off any method for the gas to escape. The stomach swells and twists and is a serious emergency. If they can save the dog, they usually will tack the stomach in hopes of preventing a reoccurance. This would have definitely been confirmed on the necropsy. It is good to know the signs of bloat and do not hesitate to get them the help they need.

Hemangiosarcoma is quick in that they generally show few if any symptoms, but normally as they begin to bleed internally they get tired and go and lay down. They then never wake up. I lost Arwen to this, and while it is devastating, I can find peace in knowing that she was happy and active into her last day with me. And she did not suffer terribly in her last hours.

When they go quick, whether by bloat, or hemangiosarcoma, or an aneurism, it is incredibly difficult for us, because we do not have that building up time, where the dog starts having difficulty moving/getting up, maybe incontinence, weight loss, lethargy, loss of normal thought and behavior patterns, that help us to accept that they will not be with us for much longer. We are not thinking about making that final decision on the dog's behalf. And we are not picturing life without them.

I am really sorry about your dog. I hope that a new dog will fill some of the hole left in your home. I know we cannot replace them, but we can love another, and let another worm their way so deep into our being that it is like ripping our soul when they go. GSDs are terrible for this.

PhilGT · 08-30-2011, 05:20 PM

Today is the first day I can probably say I am starting to get over slightly the shock of all this. I have been able to laugh and smile thinking back about the good times and the silly wee things sasha used to do.

The small things still catch me out though. For example making toast and having a bit left over with now nobody to give it to. Or my nightly walks to keep me fit!

Thanks again everyone for the warm comments.

shilohsmom · 08-30-2011, 07:18 PM

I'm glad to hear your slowing being able to find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have of your precious girl. It takes time. You are not alone.

PhilGT · 08-31-2011, 07:17 AM

Yes thanks, I am getting there all be it slowly but surely.

08-30-2011, 12:53 PM	#171 (permalink)
selzer Crowned Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Denmark, Ohio Posts: 17,499	Bloat is when the stomach is producing gas and it turns shutting off any method for the gas to escape. The stomach swells and twists and is a serious emergency. If they can save the dog, they usually will tack the stomach in hopes of preventing a reoccurance. This would have definitely been confirmed on the necropsy. It is good to know the signs of bloat and do not hesitate to get them the help they need. Hemangiosarcoma is quick in that they generally show few if any symptoms, but normally as they begin to bleed internally they get tired and go and lay down. They then never wake up. I lost Arwen to this, and while it is devastating, I can find peace in knowing that she was happy and active into her last day with me. And she did not suffer terribly in her last hours. When they go quick, whether by bloat, or hemangiosarcoma, or an aneurism, it is incredibly difficult for us, because we do not have that building up time, where the dog starts having difficulty moving/getting up, maybe incontinence, weight loss, lethargy, loss of normal thought and behavior patterns, that help us to accept that they will not be with us for much longer. We are not thinking about making that final decision on the dog's behalf. And we are not picturing life without them. I am really sorry about your dog. I hope that a new dog will fill some of the hole left in your home. I know we cannot replace them, but we can love another, and let another worm their way so deep into our being that it is like ripping our soul when they go. GSDs are terrible for this. __________________ RIP Arwen, CD RN CGC RIP Whitney, RN CGC Jenna, RN CGC Babs, CD RA CGC Herding Instinct Certificate Heidi, RA CGC Tori, RN CGC SG3 Odessa, SchH1, Kkl1, AD Ninja, RN CGC Milla, RN CGC Joy, Star Puppy, RN CGC Dolly & Bear

08-30-2011, 07:18 PM	#173 (permalink)
shilohsmom Crowned Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 6,653	I'm glad to hear your slowing being able to find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have of your precious girl. It takes time. You are not alone. __________________ Rosa Mom to; Shiloh, 8.5 year old LCGSD Shoshona, 7.5 year old LCGSD Eli, 5 year old LCGSD Every dog deserves to have a human that thinks they are the greatest dog that ever lived!

08-30-2011, 05:20 PM	#172 (permalink)
PhilGT Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 31	Today is the first day I can probably say I am starting to get over slightly the shock of all this. I have been able to laugh and smile thinking back about the good times and the silly wee things sasha used to do. The small things still catch me out though. For example making toast and having a bit left over with now nobody to give it to. Or my nightly walks to keep me fit! Thanks again everyone for the warm comments.

08-31-2011, 07:17 AM	#174 (permalink)
PhilGT Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 31	Yes thanks, I am getting there all be it slowly but surely.

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