Our 12 yr old Silky Yorkie Toby died sudden death Saturday

[LLharley]

My beloved Silky Yorkie Toby passed away Saturday with sudden death. He was 12. He had recently been diagnosed with Hypothyroid and on meds and was seen in November for followup on condition. His thyroid was normal on meds. The past two weeks prior to his passing he became lethargic, and would have anxiety attacks and panting in the car but when I let him out he was normal. He did start sleeping alot. Otherwise he was eating, playing, pooping, etc normal. He did start getting a horsh bark. Toby also had gone blind in both eyes. The day of his passing he woke up, played, ate, went outside to do his business came back into the house, his back legs gave out he fell got back up and starting panting and couldn't breathe. Within minutes he was gone with blood coming from his mouth. We did not do an autopsy and Vets are saying either anyrusium or heart attack. But the signs weren't there and he wasn't distressed. Can anyone help us to understand what took our boy. Thanks

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by LLharley

My beloved Silky Yorkie Toby passed away Saturday with sudden death. He was 12. He had recently been diagnosed with Hypothyroid and on meds and was seen in November for followup on condition. His thyroid was normal on meds. The past two weeks prior to his passing he became lethargic, and would have anxiety attacks and panting in the car but when I let him out he was normal. He did start sleeping alot. Otherwise he was eating, playing, pooping, etc normal. He did start getting a horsh bark. Toby also had gone blind in both eyes. The day of his passing he woke up, played, ate, went outside to do his business came back into the house, his back legs gave out he fell got back up and starting panting and couldn't breathe. Within minutes he was gone with blood coming from his mouth. We did not do an autopsy and Vets are saying either anyrusium or heart attack. But the signs weren't there and he wasn't distressed. Can anyone help us to understand what took our boy. Thanks

I am so very sorry for the tragic and sudden loss of your baby. So that your post gets the attention/support that it needs, I'm actually going to create a new thread for you from your post. Hope that's okay.

My bach degree is in nursing, and I did work a lot in cardio -- but even so, it's tough to tell you what happened bc so many things could've come into play at once. Sadly, it does sound like it could've been a heart attack and/or also congestive heart failure (CHF)...which could've been going on for a while now. CHF can cause water retention, weight gain, confusion, lethargy, shortness of breath (can be minimal to extreme), panic, and so many other things. And with CHF, sudden death is always a possibility bc of all the stress on the heart and the burden of all the extra fluid.

Again, I'm just so sorry. He sounds like he was so precious, and that you loved him so much. I'm sure he had the *most* wonderful life with you and that he loved every second of it! I hope you heal with time, and that you get through this painful time when you are ready. I'm sending you lots of healing, good thoughts. Take care.

[rubymoon2072]

I am so very sorry for your loss of Toby may he rest in peace.

[Deb1]

I am so sorry for the loss of your Toby.....It is so hard to understand "why!" We lost 2 in the last 2 years and other than age, don't know "why" they suddenly passed. Maybe it was just their time but it is always so hard to let go.......

[kjc]

So sorry for the loss of your dearest Toby, May He Rest In Peace.

[mperran1974]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[lovespandp]

So sorry for the loss of your dearest Toby, he will always be in your heart.

[Marhcarter]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I am so very sorry for the tragic and sudden loss of your baby. So that your post gets the attention/support that it needs, I'm actually going to create a new thread for you from your post. Hope that's okay.

My bach degree is in nursing, and I did work a lot in cardio -- but even so, it's tough to tell you what happened bc so many things could've come into play at once. Sadly, it does sound like it could've been a heart attack and/or also congestive heart failure (CHF)...which could've been going on for a while now. CHF can cause water retention, weight gain, confusion, lethargy, shortness of breath (can be minimal to extreme), panic, and so many other things. And with CHF, sudden death is always a possibility bc of all the stress on the heart and the burden of all the extra fluid.

Again, I'm just so sorry. He sounds like he was so precious, and that you loved him so much. I'm sure he had the *most* wonderful life with you and that he loved every second of it! I hope you heal with time, and that you get through this painful time when you are ready. I'm sending you lots of healing, good thoughts. Take care.

I, too am a nurse and I agree that it sounds like congestive heart failure (which has been linked to hypothyroidism) and/or flash pulmonary edema. The cough, increased lethargy, panting and anxiety could all be linked to fluid buildup in the lungs and him not getting enough oxygen. I am terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Your thread caught my eye because I also have a yorkie silky mix.
I pray that you will find peace as you mourn the loss of Toby.

[sganow]

I'm so sorry to hear the news about Toby. My prayers are with you and also with Toby. RIP Toby.

[JANICE C]

I'm so sorry for the lost of your Toby. We lost our Sweet Baily Ann in Oct. She was 14 years old. She was fine the morning she pasted, she went outside to do her business maybe 5mins or less. When we came back into the house she couldn't climb the stairs to come back into the kitchen so we carried her up them. As I put her down when I reached the top I went to get her a treat she won't take it and within mins she was gone. The Vet tolded us our girl was up in age and was her time. She heart just stopped as quick as that. I didn't understand why either or why we didn't see any signs. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I pray your little boy is running free with all the others that have past and someday you will meet again at the bridge. God Bless

[Maximo]

I am very sorry for your loss. Rest in peace sweet Toby.

[sbgooljar]

It is heartbreaking to read about your sudden loss. Praying that you will be able to take some comfort in the memories you and Toby made. Rest in peace Toby.

[dlaureanonw]

I am so sorry for your lost. RIP Toby

[chachi]

I am sorry for your loss. Any time its sudden like that its usually the heart. RIP Toby

[dawn27]

So very sorry for your loss ...