Cause of death for my dog

[Mattk]

My dog had been unwell for a few days a couple of weeks back but appeared to get better but then went down with similar symptoms this week and again seemed to be getting better but today took a turn for the worse and unfortunately has died.
She was only 9 yrs old and when i quizzed the vet he was unsure of the cause of death but cited liver disease or a heart attack as most likely.The latter seems unlikely due to the extended period of being unwell which makes liver disease sound most likely. The only other things I can add are that she was not eating but was drinking and when I took her for a walk only yesterday, she was very keen to go but got more and more reluctant as the walk continued and we had to turn back after only a few minutes. Before we did, however, she did a small almost orange poo.

From this admittedly rather thin description can anyone offer any opinions?

Thank you.

[pastafreak]

I am so sorry to hear of your dogs death,Mattk. It is bad enough to loose a pet to a known illness.....but to be left with more questions that are unanswered is heartbreaking. Can the vet not give you any more concrete information?...I suppose an autopsy(if that is done for pets) is not an option. I really feel for you and wish I could be more helpful. x

[chysun]

We had a dog last year 11 year old who displayed the same sort of symptoms we offered him the tastyest treats but he didnt want to know we tried for a week and all he wanted was water when we took him to the vet he told us the only way to be sure what was going on was to open him up our vet also thought that the liver was bein attacked by a tumor and wod only agreee to open him on the understanding that if it was too bad they put him to sleep as he had had a heart murmor all his life it was going to be unlikley he wod even survive the anesthetic we decided to put him to sleep without the trauma of an op it is never easy to loose a pet but he had been a good dog and i couldnt bear him to suffer or die alone on the op table! i know this dosent really awsner ur q but dont spend time grillin urself as to what and why remember ur pet instead and take comfort that he didnt suffer any longer .

[Noweia]

So sorry to hear of your loss. You can get a post mortem done if you wish - ask your vet where the nearest referral centre is.

Apart from that, there's not much I can tell you. So many things can be fatal, especially after she was unwell, that across the internet nobody could say.

[Mattk]

thank you for the condolences but i would rather not know than have her cut open, she suffered enough but unfortunately our suffering has only just begun. she was a lovely mannered dog who loved her food and so was always pestering me at meal times! those times will be the worst. time is the biggest healer but at the moment that is cold comfort.

i guess with the illnesses over the past few weeks and only drinking water it points to her liver.

[wolf63]

I am sorry to hear about your dog - and I totally understand your reluctance to have an autopsy done.

Some times our furry little friends are ill for a while before the symptoms become obvious to us. But had she been suffering in any way I am sure that you would have noticed a change in her health and cheerful outlook on life before this final period of illness.

Best wishes.

[lindapinda]

So sorry to hear about your wee dog Matt. We've all been there in various ways and times,and I hope it gives you some comfort,to know that others on here are thinking about you at this time.

[shaneystar2]

I am sorry to hear about your dog Mattk ..She's displayed the same symptoms that my old Shaney did last year . The cause with him was a liver tumour ..
Did the vet do an ultra sound ? This is only how they knew what exactly was wrong with Shaney as they could not tell anything from Xrays ,blood and urine tests . .
He was drinking vast amounts of water the last couple of days and refusing food. He had been sick previously but I put that down to his grass munching habits !
It was sudden too ..one minute he was fine the next minute he was gone.
I am so sorry but you know in your heart you did your best for her .Take care .

[cruella]

Oh Mattk
I was so sorry to read of your loss.
It takes a great deal of time to get over something like this.
My heart goes out to you. x

[leelapops]

Oh Mattk, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Got no advice, sorry, as I know this is what you wanted, but I just wanted to let you know how saddened I was.

Lisa.

[megan07]

Mattk, i'm so very sorry to hear of your loss my love, but she will be with you in spirit sweetheart, Bless you, lots of love, and a loving (((((((( hug)))))))). Megan. xxx

[moonshadow]

It's heartbreaking to hear of the lose of your lovely companion and how well I know your grief Matt, I am so very sorry. My brother's dog died with similar symptoms and they discovered it was Haemolytic Anemia, the orange faeces is one of the main symptoms.Just remember the 9 wonderful years you spent together,take care.

[Mattk]

The posts mean so much to me.Thank you all.

[garner]

I feel so sorry for you its awful when you lose your dear pal.Just try and remember the good times and the main thing that she was loved very much.You will never forget your pal but with time the pain will ease.g

[bensmum]

So sorry about your loss mattk. It is always hard to lose a loved pet and although in time you will be able to look back and remember the good times you will be feeling much too raw at present. She was obviously loved and you can at least take comfort in the fact that she had a good life. My thoughts are with you.

[shylock73]

I do feel for you Mattk and I don't want you to presume anything to what I am going to say. It`s just to warn anyone who has a dog not to ever give a dog chocolate as this is a sure dog killer. So many people think they are giving them a treat not knowing a dogs liver wont take it. There is a proper dog chocolate that is safe but I can`t name it for fear of advertising. Condolence's.