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  1. #1
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    Bruce - Cause of Death

    I debated putting this in the original thread, but wasn't sure everyone would see it, buried way deep on page 11. The outpouring of love and support for Bruce touched my heart so deep, I wanted to make sure everyone who wanted to know got to see this.

    My vet called me about 8am this morning. I knew as soon as I saw the caller ID what it was about. It was the preliminary necropsy report, they are still awaiting all the histogy work. Final report should be out in about 2 weeks.

    Bruce had minor mitral valve dysplasia. While this was not the cause of death, it was the opinion of the pathologist that this underlying condition caused an "acute fatal arrhythmia". Basically my vet put it like this. It was pretty much the same as when you see a healthy, young athlete, drop dead with no warning.

    Bruce was completely asymptomatic. He'd been examined by my vet on several occasions, and no heart murmur, or any other abnormality had ever been detected. He ran hard, he swam, he retrieved, he tore around the yard playing bitey face with Sophie. He was an athlete, and in my opinion a very gifted one. There was never any indication that I saw that would make me think there was ANY issue.

    Sadly, Bruce was that one in a million anomaly. He could have lived for 12 or 13 years with no issues. It wasn't to be.

    I've honestly had a better day today. I've had a couple of moments, but I've also felt very much at peace for the first time since I found Bruce dead. I take great comfort in knowing he did not suffer, he was in no pain. I can also take comfort in knowing once it happened, the was absolutely nothing I could have done to save him. My vet told me he seriously doubts that even if I had a defibrulator here right at that moment, I would not have been able to save him.

    Bruce's passing is a tragic loss. My heart is broken, but it will heal with a small piece of him buried inside. My pain will fade, but my memories will not. I consider it a privilege to have had Bruce in my life, and consider myself a better person for all that he taught me.

    Again, my sincerest, most heart felt thanks to all of you. Bruce was a very special dog, and I'm so very happy I was able to share our way to short journey with everyone here.

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  3. #2
    Senior Dog doubledip1's Avatar
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    I am so sorry, but so thankful you finally have the answer.
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  5. #3
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Thank you for the update.

    Let the fabulous memories Bruce shared with you help get you get through the grief. It will take a long time, and he will always be a part of you.
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  7. #4
    Senior Dog smartrock's Avatar
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    Thank you for letting us know. You and Bruce have been very much in my thoughts the past few days.

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  9. #5
    Senior Dog MightyThor's Avatar
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    While the knowledge certainly can't make it any easier, hopefully it can at least bring a sense of relief and closure. Thanks for sharing it with us all.

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  11. #6
    Senior Dog sparky's Avatar
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    Thanks for sharing and letting us know. I know it does not diminish the sorrow but at least you have the knowledge.
    We are still praying for you.
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  13. #7
    Senior Dog dxboon's Avatar
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    I hope having this knowledge gives you some semblance of peace as you continue grieving. Atrioventricular valve dysplasia in Labs is a known issue at this point, but I don't think research has completely worked out the pattern of inheritance from a genetic standpoint. The owner of an outwardly healthy young dog would have no reason generally to do an echocardiogram, so you certainly wouldn't have seen this coming, nor was there anything you could do about it. Hopefully, having some knowledge of what caused this tragedy helps you heal though.
    Last edited by dxboon; 12-07-2015 at 08:32 PM.

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  15. #8
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    Thanks for sharing. I am glad that Bruce was not in pain we he left you.

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  17. #9
    Real Retriever blacklabs's Avatar
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    Thanks for sharing the results of Bruce's necropsy with us, I am glad you got the answers you need to give you some comfort and some closure of this heartbreaking tragedy. I had my suspicions it would be a heart related issue from what you described happened to your beloved Bruce in your original post on his tragic sudden death. The dog gods have plans for some of our beautiful dogs and take them from us far too early and whilst their lives may have been cut short, their impact on our lives can be huge and life changing. Thoughts are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of your beautiful boy. Sending some special hugs for Sophie

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  19. #10
    Senior Dog Jollymolly's Avatar
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    Im glad you got some results so quickly. What a relief to know he did not suffer. You and your family are still in my thoughts.

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