My beloved Bulldog died a horrible death at Vets Saturday

[Poppinsme]

He was our sweet Buddy the Bully. I have posted his pic on other posts here and he is in my sig. He was my little love bug and DHs companion.

On Saturday we took our 2 dogs, Buddy and Bruno, to the Vets for there annual checkups and shots. Bulldogs are very susceptible to hot and cold. Buddy went from a cold house to a cold truck to a cool clinic. He was excited and panting. We were put into a exam room to wait for Vet. DH had Bruno and I had Buddy. Buddy really started to pant and couldn't seem to catch his breath as the air circulation was not good. Vet came in and drew blood and fecal samples, she noticed Buddy panting and said "Lets get some water". Assistant brought water. We waited. Buddy was getting more distressed. Vet came in with shots for dogs. Bruno got his shot. I told Vet I was getting concerned about Buddy, something is wrong! Vet took temp. of Buddy, 104. She rushed Bud to the back to put him in cool water. We were sent to waiting room.
Assistant came out and told us to get truck nice and cold and they would bring Buddy out as his temp. was dropping. I ran out with Bruno and got truck, backed it up and had AC blasting. DH was still in clinic. Next thing I know DH is screaming for me to get back to OR as Vet needs help.

I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist with 21 years ex. I have coded 1000s of children/adults. I work at a children's hospital in NICU/PICU/CICU, do transports, ECMO.

I rushed into Or to find my dog intubated and them doing chest compressions.
Well I started bagging and asking "How many rounds of Epi given" etc. It was just like any code for me BUT it was my sweet loving dog. He died in my arms from getting overheated at the Vets and his heart stopped.
The Vet had never seen anything like this. My DH and I were beyond consolable. We were/are devastated.

I called into work Monday, just couldn't. DH went to work to make a grave marker for Buddy. (DH is a welder) The marker is beautiful with 2 hearts and a spot for flowers. DH who is Native American also did a very moving ceremony for Buddy and used sage that had been blessed by a holy man at a Sundance in So. Dakota.

What is hard for me is with all my training I couldn't save him. The Vet thinks he had underlying cardiac issues. Maybe so but he died at the Vets from heat stress. We had adopted him from Bulldog rescue. We were a perfect fit.

I'm sure there are people who will make fun of this post because a dog died of heat stroke at a Vets. OK. Or that my English usage isn't perfect. OK.

I wrote this because I DON'T want anybody else to loose there Bulldog from getting to hot. It is very serious and a horrible way to die. If your Bulldog looks like they are getting hot, even at the Vets, get them to cool water and cold air. Don't wait.

 

[MushyMushy]

That's terrible! I'm so sorry for your sweet dog.

 

[donald&daisy]

I'm sorry for your loss. I don't think there is anything funny about your post. I'm sure you did all you could for him and at least you were there for him.

 

[luvmy2sams]

I am so sorry for your loss. IMO it doesn't matter that your dog might have had an underlying cardiac issue. You were at the vet for a routine visit and were expecting the trauma that ensued. I held my cocker spaniel as he took his last breaths, and it is never easy. It sounds like you and your DH gave Buddy a lovely farewell.

 

[disney1990]

Our pets are part of our families. The loss of them is like losing a family member. I am sorry for the loss of your beloved bulldog, Buddy.

 

[DisneyBlonde]

There's definitely not anything funny about it. I'm sitting here welling up over little Buddy. I'm so, so sorry for your loss. {{{hugs}}}

 

[Mrs.Toad]

Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I'm so sorry for you loss, and I know nothing anyone does or says will ease your grief.

However, I think it's your grief talking because I don't think you can really blame the vet for your dog's passing. That just seems unfair. If it was that warm in the office, I think your other dog would have probably experienced issues as well. And it also wouldn't be fair to others waiting to see the vet if it were kept cold. There are other animals that are probably susceptible to being sick when it's too cold. Hopefully your vet will find any underlying cause -- not that it will make your grief any less -- but it might give you some peace and look at the situation a little differently. I'm sure your vet feels horrible enough already.

 

[Poppinsme]

I don't blame the Vet I blame myself for being too slow to get him out of there. And thats what I have to live with.

Thank You for all your kind words.

 

[MickeysMommy]

OMG! I am so sorry about your beloved Buddy. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

 

[Poppinsme]

This was Buddy.

 

[TerriP]

I am so very sorry for the loss of Buddy.

BLESS YOU for the loving life and home you provided for Buddy. He was so lucky to have found his "forever home" with you. I hope that time and sweet memories of your Buddy will bring you comfort.

Rest in Peace, Buddy...you were a good boy.

 

[puffkin]

I am so sorry for your loss!

Just wondering though, why hadn't they prescribed some type of tranquilizer for Buddy though....especially if this type of thing is a problem. Most dogs get worked up going to the vet or somewhere out of the norm. My parents Beagle had to be tranq'd every vet visit because he got so worked up. Just wondering if this would have helped poor Buddy and maybe a possibility for Bruno, especially given the climate you live in?

Also, nothing funny about your post. Our 3 animals are like my kids and I will do anything for them. I know I will be a mess when it is eventually their time!

 

[johnsontrio]

I am so sorry for your loss. As a nurse I can understand your feeling of helplessness in such a desperate time. It sounds as if you all kept level heads and did what could be done.

I hope it brings you peace that you and your DH gave this rescue dog many happy days in a loving home. I'm sure you guys gave him all the best.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I don't blame the Vet I blame myself for being too slow to get him out of there. And thats what I have to live with.

Thank You for all your kind words.

No, no, no. Please don't blame yourself either. That's just wrong. You did everything you could to take care of your pets, love them, provide them a good home, and keep on top of their health by taking them to the vet. You also participated in trying to rescue your dog. Please don't feel that you are in any way to blame. It stinks, but sometimes there is nothing anyone can do, for pets or humans.

 

[sms]

Do not blame yourself. You had no idea what was about to happen. I'm so sorry for your loss. The ceremony for him sounds very nice. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!

 

[Poppinsme]

I am so sorry for your loss!

Just wondering though, why hadn't they prescribed some type of tranquilizer for Buddy though....especially if this type of thing is a problem. Most dogs get worked up going to the vet or somewhere out of the norm. My parents Beagle had to be tranq'd every vet visit because he got so worked up. Just wondering if this would have helped poor Buddy and maybe a possibility for Bruno, especially given the climate you live in?

Also, nothing funny about your post. Our 3 animals are like my kids and I will do anything for them. I know I will be a mess when it is eventually their time!

Buddy always got excited on our little trips. The week before he and DH had been at Pet Smart getting his nails trimmed with no problems. (He was always a ham at Pet Smart) It was just not cool enough for him that day after waiting for 25 min. to see Vet in exam room. Bruno is a mixed breed large dog who is outside 90% of time and runs around with our horses.
Thanks.

 

[C.Ann]

I'm sure there are people who will make fun of this post because a dog died of heat stroke at a Vets. OK. Or that my English usage isn't perfect. OK..

--------------------

Anyone who would is a cruel excuse for a human being..

I am so sorry for your loss.. I can't even imagine what it must have been like for you and your DH to have to witness that..

 

[Tuffcookie]

OP, I am so sorry for your loss!

Bulldogs are one of my favorite breeds. They look so mean but are real sweethearts.

Don't be too hard on yourself. It was not your fault!

TC

 

[LuvOrlando]

I can totally empathize with you.

When we first bought our home it was just us, our 2 cats and our Papillion. One of the first things we did was build a great big nice fence just so our former appt' dweller dog could roam free, I was thrilled. So one warm day, not hot, I took the dog outside while I labored over building a veggie garden, the dog had water and was in & out of the AC house. Well a few hours into it and my MIL comes by and asks, whats wrong with the dog? I look over and realize he is struggling to breathe and looks limp. I rush to clean up as my DH and MIL mock me for my panic I stick him in a tepid bath but he wasn't improving. I raced the poor dear to the nearest Animal Hospital at the time, 1/2 hr away with the AC on him... my DH wouldn't even come with me - newlyweds By the time I got him there time the dog was slumping over in the front seat foaming at the mouth and I am hysterical. I busted through the doors with the poor dear barely alive. Luckily 2 doses of epinephrine saved him but it was so very close. I can't even tell you how ticked I was that this happened because of something so innocent.. even now it's upsetting.

I can't even imagine how heartbroken you must be. I am deeply sorry for your loss of one of your best friends