Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainWolfy
Only for dog lovers and people that feel like that.
Woke up this morning and one of my dogs was shaking and puking all over the place, i took him to the vet in my town and he said that he probably ate something and he gave him 4 injections. I took dog home and he was feeling better, stubborn as always my pride Irish Setter. Around 1 p.m. i had to take my dad to hospital in another town to get surgery, so i locked my dogs, gave a key to a friend and asked if he could check him till i get back. . Went to my dads place and drove him in another town. During whole day i was on the phone with a friend and he said that condition of my dog is getting worse and i have asked him to take him to the vets one more time. He did that and now another vet said and i quote: " I really don't know what's wrong with him, what did other vet earlier today said?" So he brought him home and stayed whole time with him. The surgery that my dad had finished at 7 p.m. i rushed home and i was home at 8p.m. the dog was shaking and was sick as hell, i called one more time vet if they could give me some advice or something, and than at 8p.m. he gave me phone number from vet that is in town where i took my father for operation. I called the guy and he said to me: "You can rush him here but he won't make it in time". The road to there was just terrible it's around 90km from my place, not far you would say but the road was terrible. I put him in the car and drove back , speeding like never before, and my friend just passed away before i have entered the city. I was there in 30mins or less.. Vet in other town told me that my dog had don't know exact word in English but his belly was twisted and it could easily be removed with simple operation if it's diagnosed on time. I have been breeding Irish Setters for quite some time now, and i must tell you that this is the first time i have seen something like this.
Anyways this one of his older pictures from earlier this year
He was a champ in 7th fci group and he was in his prime. 09.09.2012-28.11.2012
but above all, he was my friend, my buddy, my .... he was stubborn as hell and didn't listen so well, but he was big molly and he was mine! |
My heart goes out to you and I mean that.
Your dog suffered from Gastric Torsion; essentially an inverting of the stomach which twists everything shut:
http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/bloat.html
I lost my best fieind of many years due to this and he was helped on his journey to the afterlife in my arms.
I cannot speak of it and can barely write of it. There was essentially nothing that you could do to save him as surgery is a toss-up.
I do not "feel" your loss, I KNOW your loss and you have my heartfelt sympathies.
You did NOTHING wrong!
The explanation of what happened to your canine buddy:
"Gastric Torsion/Bloat in Dogs
with information taken from Carlson & Giffon
(This article is dedicated to Hershey, a chocolate Labrador who died of Gastric Torsion. If even one person learns about this disorder and takes precautions, his death will not be in vain.)
If you own a deep chested dog such as a Labrador Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Akita or Great Dane you must be made aware of Gastric Torsion or commonly referred to as Bloat.
Bloat is caused by too much gas or fluid in the stomach. This gas can extend the stomach causing gastric dilation. If the stomach partially rotates its called gastric torsion. If it fully rotates its called gastric volvolus. Each can be a life threatening problem.
BLOAT FACTS:
Dogs with bloat nearly always are between four and seven years of age. Two-thirds are males.
It usually affects dogs of the larger, deeper-chested breeds: Great Danes, German Shepherds, St. Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Wolfhounds, Great Pyrenees, Boxers, Weimaraners, Old English Sheepdogs, Irish Setters, and others of large size (58 pounds was the average size in one study) It rarely occurs in small breeds.
Dogs who bloat tend to eat large quantities of dry kibble.
They exercise vigorously after eating and tend to drink water in large amounts after meals.
They may have a history of digestive upsets (gastritis).
There may be a familial association with other dogs who have bloated.
SIGNS OF GASTRIC DILATION
The signs are excessive salivation and drooling, extreme restlessness, attempts to vomit and defecate, evidence of abdominal pain (the dog whines and groans when you push on the stomach wall) and abdominal distention. Its important to know the history of the dog. Has it eaten recently? Drunk water? Has it been running or exercising within 2-3 hours of eating?
If the dog is able to burp or vomit you can usually rest assured that the gut is not twisted. This can be treated at home. Give Mylanta by mouth. Dosage for a small dog is 6 ounces; Medium dog is 8 ounces; large dog 12 ounces. Make sure you walk the dog after giving the Mylanta until the bloat is relieved or until you can contact a veterinarian. If the bloat is relieved at home, it would still be a good idea to contact your vet to let them know the dog bloated. IF YOU ARE UNSURE, RUSH THIS DOG TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY. THIS COULD BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH FOR YOUR DOG. Once a dog bloats, it will usually bloat again in the future.
SIGNS OF TORSION OR VOLVULUS
The initial signs are the same for Gastric Dilation except more severe. The distress is more evident. There could be rapid breathing, pale gums and the dog may collapse. The shock like symptoms are due to the strangulation of the blood supply to the stomach and spleen. RUSH THIS DOG TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY. Surgery is needed to relieve a torsion or volvulus. The chance of a recurrence is about 15 percent.
PREVENTION
Knowing of this problem is the first part of prevention. Feed several small meals throughout the day (at LEAST 2) instead of one big meal. Keep the dog quiet at LEAST one hour before and at LEAST 2 hours after a meal. This means no roughhousing or playing. If the dog usually gets rambuncious after a meal, crate this animal. Monitor and restrict the water intake of the dog before and especially after a meal. The dog should not drink after eating dry kibble. Therefore, it is best to thoroughly soak the kibble for at least 30 minutes before feeding this to the dog. Try not to feed a kibble which expands greatly when wet. Do the kibble test overnight. Put a cup of kibble in a bowl. Add water and let soak over night. What you see in the morning is the amount of swelling this food will do in your dog's stomach. If its excessive, change to another kibble which doesn't swell as much. Always keep Mylanta on hand.
These measures may prevent some cases of bloat but will not prevent all cases. Being aware might be the difference between life and death for your dog."