Expert: Christine Puetz - 9/24/2009

Question
My 9 1/2 year old Bulldog "Haley" was laying on the couch with me watching TV.  She had dinner and was acting very normal.  She heard the bell from my cat Stella and she chased her 1/2 way up the stairs, which was a regular past time for Haley.  Then she layed down on the floor while I was watching TV.  It was about 9:30 and I said to her "Come on Haley lets go out" and when she got up there was a little poop on the rug where she was laying.  I quickly got her outside and while still on the deck she started pooping and her back legs went out from her and she fell on the deck.  I ran out to see what was wrong and she layed on her side and stretched herself out and just died.  How can this happen like this?  One minute I had my beautiful girl and the next minute she was gone.  No signs, no symptoms, just gone.  My vet said this happens sometimes.  She could have had a heart attack.  I need to know a little more.  Is this something that happens to Bulldogs?  I've been on every bulldog site known to man and cannot get a straight answer.  Could you help me?


Answer
Diletta,

Sorry to hear of your loss.  9 1/2 years is getting toward the end of life for a bulldog.  10 to 11 years is the average age for a bulldogs.

I would say I would have to agree with your vet.  It sounds like he probably had a heart attack. I'm sure there is nothing you could have done to prevent it.

Again, I'm really sorry for your loss!

Christine Puetz