Rest easy sweet boy

[Natalie]

That's so sad - you were only walking with them a couple of weeks ago, weren't you? So sorry Kelsey xx

 

[Ashley]

Very sorry to hear this - such sad news

 

[Kelsey]

That's so sad - you were only walking with them a couple of weeks ago, weren't you? So sorry Kelsey xx

Yes, we would see Pattington for walks almost every weekend as of lately. We were planning a walk this weekend

 

[kateincornwall]

How terribly sad , I am so sorry to hear of this untimely passing , far too young to leave . My sincere condolences xxx

 

[Naya]

So sorry to hear about Pattington At such a young age too. Sending you all hugs

 

[Bruer]

So sorry to hear this

 

[Loraseal]

I have just read this and tears are streaming down by face. Such sad news. X

 

[Kelsey]

I spoke with Pattington’s mom last night, it was such a sad chat, we were both in tears before even saying hello. The vet thinks Pattington suffered a massive heart attack and suspects he did not suffer for very long, especially considering he was outside for less than five minutes and had gone to the grass area and back. But of course his mom is devastated that she wasn’t with him when he needed her, which I told her she cannot let herself feel guilty for something she could never have predicted. Regardless, I’m sure she will still hold on to that feeling as I still do with one of my past dogs.

I have contacted the owners of another half brother of Axel’s, they go to daycare together and are very close, as I am worried congestive heart failure is now going to affect a lot of the dogs and at very young ages. I also emailed the Breeder and explained Axel’s diagnosis but I have no heard back yet.

Now I find myself panicking when Axel is having a deep sleep. I just yelled his name as I didn’t see his chest move for a couple seconds (he sleeps with his eyes open, so that doesn’t help) and I worried he was gone. I’m afraid any day now he will be gone.

 

[Selina27]

I’m afraid any day now he will be gone.

Oh Kelsey, I hardly know what to say.

It's awful for you. The only thing is -- what is the likelihood of this really happening? Is it worth talking to the vets ?

 

[Jacqui-S]

Oh Kelsey.
My heart goes out to you.
Don't know what to say to help.
Do talk to your vet, hug tour boy and try not to think about the "what if"s

 

[Loraseal]

Oh Kelsey. You should really talk to your vet.
You must be feeling so awful. I understand the powerless feeling as you just want the best for your dog.
Sending positive thoughts your way.

 

[SwampDonkey]

Big hugs from us both. Speak to your vet as the others have suggested. You've had a big shock look after yourself and your lovely big boy XXX

 

[Stacia]

How tragic to lose such a young dog so suddenly, unfortunately it does happen. I cried when I read your post, so very sad. Try not to worry too much about Axel, it is highly unlikely it will happen to him, but to reassure yourself, get him checked out by the vet, even find a dog heart specialist to give a thorough test.

 

[Kelsey]

get him checked out by the vet, even find a dog heart specialist to give a thorough test.

About a month or so ago he was seen by a cardiologist for an ECHO because I was concerned about DCM from grain free food. And he was diagnosed with Mitra Valve Disease.
I knew something was wrong because he can’t play fetch for 5 minutes without needing to recover for about 45 minutes. So we no longer play fetch for more than a couple throws. It’s not bad enough that he needs meds for his diagnosis but he will need to be monitored every year now for annual chest X-rays and ECHOs and meds will be started when needed.

But this is why I am so terrified, because there is something wrong with his heart But I think I will take all of your guys advice and go to the vet and just chat about what happened to dear Pattington and see what the chances are of this happening to Axel. Because right now I feel it’s a very high chance. It’s my weekend and I haven’t left the house because I’m scared to leave him.

 

[Charlie]

Oh Kelsey it's so heartbreaking for your friend but also for you. It's only natural that you are feeling this way because of Axel's recent diagnosis but you can't live your life with 'what if'. You could chat to your vet and explain what happened to Pattington and maybe he can put your mind at rest. I am so sorry you are feeling this way, I'm sure I would too. Sending lots of love and to you and Axel. xxx

 

[HAH]

@Kelsey&Axel I'm sorry you’re experiencing this, and I think your fear is entirely natural. I reckon you’d be sensible to chat to the vet as they will a) be able to go through the details of your worries with you, and b) should be able to give you a clear, calculated sense of risk for such a thing happening. This can’t be a guarantee, because it’s all based on probability - but will hopefully give you perspective based on evidence and known facts, taking into account the meds and Axel’s general health. Thinking of you x

 

[Granca]

It’s completely understandable that you’re worried, so do talk it through with your vet. I found it very hard when my seven year old lab died from cancer, whereas her litter sister (my friends’ dog) lived to a ripe old age. You are managing Axel’s recent diagnosis, so try not to worry too much about it. x

 

[Jen]

Oh Kelsey I’m so sorry.

Are they going an autopsy? Please try not to worry. Easier said than done but it may not have even been heart issues that caused it x

 

[JES72]

I am so sorry to hear about Pattington. I hope they can find further answers which may help them cope with his loss and help you too.

Lots of hugs to you all.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

I'm sorry you’re experiencing this, and I think your fear is entirely natural.

I agree - it would be very hard for you not to worry. Hopefully more information will help you manage the worry as time goes on, though that doesn't help much now.