Question:
I took my 6 month old cavalier to the vet 3 days ago to be desexed. She was a very happy, healthy and active puppy, had all her injections etc. Apparently when my vet gave her the anaesthetic, her heart beat was fine, and he checked a minute later and noticed it slowing down to a stop within a very short time. He didn't actually get to start the operation.

There were no health concerns with this girl - she ran everywhere she went, constantly moving. We are trying to find out why this might have happened - she did drink a lot of water, but again she was always on the go. Occasionally she would vomit when she had swallowed food too quickly or not chewed up rawhide small enough. Other than that, no problems.

Our vet doesn't know why - but we want to know what could have happened as it doesn't make any sense. Can you offer any ideas?

Answer:
Oh, I'm so very sorry to hear this. How sad, and what a shock for you to lose your baby this way.:(

Without a necropsy it's impossible to say what killed her. It could have been anything from an undetected heart defect, to an accidental overdose of anesthetic.

Did your vet do blood tests and an exam before the surgery?

Again, so sorry for your loss.

Answer:
Did the Vet run a pre-op blood test to check liver/kidney functions prior to the surgery? This is usually an additional cost and most Vet's require it. Sometimes this bloodwork will show a marked increase in enzymes that will halt any anesthsia.

Also, there is a chance of an anesthsia reaction that no test can predict, the odds are approx. 1 in 2000 cases....this just happens.
Any time there is surgery there is a risk.

I am so very sorry for your loss.

Please do not blame the vet, I am sure the entire clinic is sadden by this also...

There are no words of comfort I can offer except there was no pain. You have my sincere condolences.


Sometimes this just happens..

Answer:
((((pipsal)))) I'm so very sorry!

Answer:
I would find it hard to trust the life of another fur friend to a vet who had lost one with no explanation. Not everyone will agree with me but I would suggest having the dog autopsied if you really want to know what happened. I'm not blaming the vet and these things do happen sometimes but not very often without a reason. The chances are the Vet is not to blame but he should give you the benefit of his experience and if he can't determine A cause of death he could have a med school do an autopsy. There is always a reason something dies. Finding out what is a matter of experience - time and many times, money.

Answer:
I would definitely want to find out what happened and I am so very sorry for your loss.

Was the dog from a breeder? Did you contact the breeder? You should!

Answer:
Originally posted by woodbyter
I would find it hard to trust the life of another fur friend to a vet who had lost one with no explanation. Not everyone will agree with me but I would suggest having the dog autopsied if you really want to know what happened. I'm not blaming the vet and these things do happen sometimes but not very often without a reason. The chances are the Vet is not to blame but he should give you the benefit of his experience and if he can't determine A cause of death he could have a med school do an autopsy. There is always a reason something dies. Finding out what is a matter of experience - time and many times, money.
A necropsy should have been done at the time of death, if accurate results are to be had . I have done many on the table and I am willing to bet heart failure from isoflurane reaction.
This happens and there is no way to find out "who" will be effected. Tissue samples must be collected right then, this happened 3 days ago. I myself see no reason for a necropsy. Just my .02 cents worth...

I am still so very sorry for this lost....this has never happened in my family but I have been on the other side of this before, I have had to make the call a few times....

Answer:
I have done many on the table and I am willing to bet heart failure from isoflurane reaction.
Really?


My understanding is that isoflurane is one of the safest anesthetics out there and can even be used on old or very small animals, like rodents, because it does not permeate the organs or affect heart rate or blood pressure, unlike halothane gas...??

Karin, you also mentioned there is a treatment for feline heartworms that is safe and easy. Can you please tell me what it is? I asked you in the other thread but I guess you didn't see it.
Thanks!

Answer:
So sorry to hear of your loss - we've had a sick dog for a week or so and we weren''t sure if he was going to make it or not so I can really sympathise with your loss. I do however think that the Vet does owe you a comprehensive explanation even if he wasn't at fault. Do follow up.

Answer: