Ask a Vet Archive

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  • Recently my small Dachshund had to undergo surgery for a large growth on her chest. The veterinarian decided that she should be spayed at the same time as the surgery because he believed the growth was cancerous. She survived the surgery itself fine, but 4 hours later, as they were warming her, she was dead because her temperature would not go up. Was it too much for a little 10 yr old dog? Was she already eaten up with cancer? Was it too much to spay her at the same time? Did she go into shock? Anything like that? I have cried my eyes out for three days - some closure or understanding would be nice.

    I am so sorry you have lost your pet. The best person to answer the questions you have is the doctor who did your pet’s surgery. He/she can discuss what testing was done prior to anesthesia and how the pet was monitored during the procedure.

    I don’t know if you were offered a necropsy (autopsy) but sometime that can give answers in the case of unexpected death although it must be done very soon after. While the doctor may not be able to answer all of your questions, I’m sure there are some that he/she can which can hopefully help you through this tragedy.

    Understand that grieving a loss takes time and people do it in different time frames and in different ways. Please take care of yourself and I hope speaking to the doctor will help you. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

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