Jasmines sickness

Question
Over the weekend, my family was out of town and my dog stayed with my
sister, who also has 2 shelties.  When we got home Sunday night, Jasmine
was in great spirits, jumping around like always.  About 2 hours after we
got home she acted like she needed to go out to potty.  I let her out in
the back yard, and she paced back and forth.  After a little while I saw
her vomitting.  I went out to check on her, but she didn't want to come
in.  I just kept an eye on her and a little while later she laid down in
the grass.  She got back up and took a few steps and collapsed on her
side.  I ran out to get her, but she couldn't get up.

We took her to the Emergency Vet, and they said she was walking around in
circles, only to the left.  After about an hour, they started taking blood
and her heart stopped.  They couldn't revive her.  Do you know what could
have caused her death?  The vet said we could send her body to the
University of Georgia and they would test it, but I felt that wouldn't do
any good.  Just wondering if you think she could have had a stroke or
heart attack.  She was only 2 1/2.

Thanks!  

Answer
Hi Donna,

A sudden death is a very sad occurrence, even more so when it's a dog as young as your dog. Although it is hardly consolation, at least you know your dog did not suffer unnecessarily with a long and painful condition, such as cancer.

There are no precise facts and figures regarding the sudden deaths of dogs, as there are in humans. However, sudden death due to many of the reasons that humans might suddenly die are accepted as not unusual in dogs. Of some of the figures I was able to get hold of, some 22% of the cases of sudden death in dogs examined result from heart disease. Toxicity (e.g. from poison, or wound infection) and gastrointestinal disease are the next biggest killers. Other reasons include trauma and hemorrhage (which would include a stroke).

Your dog may have eaten a poisonous plant. Many of the plants we keep as houeplants or ornamental outdoor plants, or growing wild as weeds  are actually quite toxic.

It sounds as though Jasmine may have had a stroke. But I am not a healthcare professional, so don't put a lot of weight in my opinon. In a few days you will probably get the report from the vet, and then you'll know for sure.

Though your dog's life was a short one, I know she was dearly loved, and will be missed.  I I'm sorry for your loss.

-Patti