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Expert: - 1/21/2010


Question
i dropped my dog off at the vet to get his ears clipped on Tues evening. Wed i called to check on him they told me he died during the surgery. They said while sewing up his second ear they notice he was breathing funny so the doctor gave him a shot, then his heart stop and they couldn't bring him back. He was a healthy 7 mo old Blue Pit Bull. How common is for something like this to happen. all they could say was they were sorry, and just don't know what happen

Answer
Roberta,
I am really sorry to hear this. I know how devastating this can be. There is no way to comfort someone who has lost a dog this way, but I have to tell you while it doesn't happen often, it does happen, and there is no real explanation for it.

Just like people, some dogs don't react to anesthetics well. Usually it is the first one they get that they have the fatal reaction to. Since you don't mention him being neutered, I am guessing this was his first dose?

Sometimes they are under too long. There is no way to know that without seeing some kind of log from the vet. But usually Roberta, these things "just happen" and there is no viable answer to give. You cannot do a necropsy on a dog and 'see' what when wrong unless there is an abnormal heart issue or something of that nature.

Again I am sorry. I know that isn't much comfort, but your vet probably did everything he could do to help your dog.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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