Sudden Death of Dog

Question
Three nights ago our miniature Schnauzer, Keesha, suddenly started panting excessively and barely had the energy to walk. We waited a half hour thinking she would come out of it.  But in about a half hour she got worse and began to have trouble breathing and couldn't move at all. Before we could even think about taking her to a weekend/night emergency vet we could tell she was in the process of dying. We stayed with her to comfort her and let her know we were there. In about 10 minutes she took her last breath. We were in shock at loosing our loved companion in a matter of a little over an hour.  She was about 11 years old but showed no sign of being sick.  She was on heartworm and got regular checkups at the vet along with her shots.  Our vet doesn't seem to have any idea what happened.  Do you?  Could it have been a heart attack or a heart problem that caused her lungs to fill with fluid?  Needless to say we are devastated at loosing our companion so rapidly.

Answer
Hi Wanita,

It's really nothing more than a guess, but it sounds as though it was a heart problem, given the symptoms you've mentioned. There are several heart diseases  which the Miniature Schnauzer breed is prone to develop.

It's never easy loosing a pet, perhaps you can find comfort in the fact she didn't suffer a prolonged illness, and was your happy devoted little girl to the very end.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss,  and like to offer my heartfelt condolences.
-Patti