47 replies to this topic

[kittdog]

So, My cairn - Jade, 5 years old, just passed away. We're all still in shock. Apparently she had bloating, GDV. She was perfectly fine and then she pooped herself and shutdown, she did drink some and we thought she might just be sick. We got her to throw up and a whole ton of blood came out, so we rushed her to the vet and he did the exray and the vet saw the bloating to make the long story short we had her put down so she woudln't suffer over the next few hours. Our vet didn't think surgery would matter because she was already going and had lost soo much blood from inside. I've never dealt with this kind of death in my dogs before so am not handling it well.

Anyone else have experience with bloating and cairns or any dog for that matter? I'm so confused and shocked, but wanted to get on here for some cairn support.

[remltr]

I am so sorry for your loss. What a complete shock this has to be at such a young age. I don't have any information for you about the cause, but I did want to offer my sympathy.
God will take care of your little Cornhusker now.

[Meggie]

I have no experience losing a dog as this is my first.

But last year I did lose my wonderful 8 month old rescue kitten, Logan to a rare disease called FIP.

Similar situation. He was fine and suddenly everything went wrong. I thought he had eaten something he shouldn't have, rushed him to the hospital expecting at worst; a surgery. His abdomen started to full with fluid and essentially he was drowning in his own body.

It was horrific. Losing a pet so young is the sort of thing that will stick with us until we are in the old folk's home. Sadly, can't offer you too much other than...I know what you are going through.

Scream, cry, take time off from work. I've had a lot of cliche traumas in my life but for some reason, this hit the hardest. Losing an older pet is difficult, but we can logically prepare ourselves, losing a young pet is like someone pulling the rug out from underneath you.

I'm extremely sorry for you loss. I'm sorry I have nothing to offer than relating.

I will add though, I do animal rescue. And when the trauma of losing Logan had lightened just a touch, I opened my home to a new animal in need, my cairn Hubble. I continue to do it. I was saying last night to a friend when they asked why I take in animals: I am championing for Logan. I could not help him. I can help the next.

Might sound cheesy, but when you're ready do something in Jade's honor. Plant a tree. Volunteer at a rescue or take in a cairn in need. It truly helps.

So sorry for your loss.

[beccadiane374]

So, so sorry to hear of your loss...the unexpected ones seem to have the hardest impact. Sending hugs your way.

[bradl]

Oh ... my heart goes out to you. I would have thought it uncommon in small dogs like Cairns, but nothing is rare or theoretical when it happens to us or the ones we love. Wishing you strength while you need it, and understanding, acceptance, and happier remembrance when it's time. It may be a while, but I'm certain in time the pain will retreat to a more distant corner of memory, crowded out by the happier times. For now ... hugs.

[Idaho Cairns]

Jeanne, until your post I was completely aware of this dangerous condition in dogs and a quick search of the internet indicated that Bloat is not uncommon--it is the second most common fatal condition in dogs behind cancer! My goodness it sounds like it is a terrible physical illness and very difficult for the victim so having had to put your Jade down so quickly must have saved her a lot of suffering. I know you must be in absolute shock and heartbroken and I wish there were words that could comfort you now, but there simply aren't. The symptoms so resemble a minor stomach condition that I don't know how you could have known what a serious stage Jade had reached, how anyone could have known.
So, you have done well by her, taken away the agony that she was going thru and I am so sorry you had to do this for her. Seems so unfair in a dog so young--let time take you, meet the grief head on knowing it is the awful price we pay for loving something so wonderful so very much. I hope you find peace with this, hope the anger fades soon (fate is just fate, none of use know what is just beyond our horizons), and you can accept the loss. Wish I could help and I will keep you close in my heart and mind. Sorry.

[hheldorfer]

You have my sincere sympathy on your loss of Jade. I know how terrible it is to deal with the sudden loss of a dearly-loved pet. I have heard of this problem but have never experienced it in one of my dogs. Sending prayers and hugs your way.

[pkcrossley]

shock is very understandable. what happened to you is very rare --i have read of this condition in other breeds, but never in a cairn. there was nothing you could have done, and this will not happen to you again. i am so sorry for you, there was no way to prepare. i agree with the advice that you be sure to let yourself grieve over this, the loss is great in itself, but the complete lack of any ability to prepare only sharpens it. i can tell you that maggie is right, this will stay with your your whole life, but you will learn to accept it and appreciate the time you had with your wonderful pet --who will also be with your forever. take care of yourself, and find another dog to love as soon as you are ready.

[Dempsy's Mom]

We would also like to express our sympathy. Poor little Jade - our hearts break for you and your family. You did your best - I would have been in disbelief too. God bless you, your family and Jade.

[kittdog]

Thanks everyone. I've been doing sooo much research and have come up with no answer as to why. It happened within hours and she was healthy as a horse. We do have mushrooms but pick them up before the cairns go out, and she didn't display any poison signs, but the possiblility of it being caused by a shroom has us paranoid for the other cairns.

Yeah, I read about it being the 2nd cause of death in dogs and can happen fast. I haven't found much on it happening with small dogs though. I'm not cut out for blood though, she threw up soooooo much, I almost passed out from the sulfur smell, luckily others were there. Thanks again for the words, it means a lot!!!!!

[Ivysmom]

I can't say how sorry I am for you loss My cairn died last November of seizures. After 5000.00 dollars and no known cause for his seizures. he passed. You can drive yourself crazy wondering "What if" or "did I do the right thing?", but I can tell you that you did everything that you could. I still mourn for Jack everyday but he is now painfree and hopefully in a better place. You can read and research and find thousands of answers but who knows what could have possibly have caused your dog's illness. I have been there and it is horrible but time will help. Please take care of yourself. I wish I could be of more help but the pain will lessen. Jack's mom

[sheila and Misty]

Ill just add Im sorry for your loss -too young.
Misty has digestive issues and get crampy and bloat- every time she eats too much beef.
I rub her belly and she passes nasty gas then shes okay.

[Fudgie]

I am so sorry for the loss of your Jade. And the shock you are having to deal with. I can't imagine, but do offer sympathy. These little boogers sure leave big footprints on our hearts.

[kintra]

I'm so sorry for your loss...it's especially hard when it's so unexpected.

I never really hear about bloating in small dogs, but it is a big issue with big dogs - especially those with more of a barrel chest. My fiance has 3 Labs and now we own a German Shorthaired Pointer together and I'm always very wary of bloat issues in those breeds. I have them eat/drink out of elevated dishes, they're not allowed to eat or drink much before exercising, I put water over their kibble, etc. When I worked for a professional handlers specializing in Sporting breeds, we were always very careful of bloating and I know of several people who have lost their dogs to it.

[Holly&me]

Very sorry to hear about Jade. I am another one who has heard of bloat affecting large dogs but not heard of it in small dogs.