Hello,

3 days ago our 6 yr old golden named Tess suddenly passed away. We came in from our evening walk when she suddenly vommited on the floor and then became extremely weak. She lay at my feet and began breathing slowly and heavily. Soon her pupils became dilated and her tongue hung out of her mouth. I called our local vet's emergency number and rushed Tess into town to our local clinic. Her pulse was approx 200 beats per minute, however extremely low blood pressure. It was late at night and the vet said we had to wait until morning to perform chest X-rays and an EKG. I had the option to leave her at the vet or bring her back home until the next morning, which i choose to do.
When i got her back home, i layed with her on the floor hoping she'd make it thru the night. Unfortunately an hour later, her breathing slowed and she gasped her last breaths. Basically 3 hrs after we went for our evening walk.
Tess was our first 'child' and it has been extremely difficult these past few days coming home to an empty house.

The vet wanted to perform an autopsy, however we choose not too. Unfortunately we struggle with answers as to why our healthy, energetic dog suddenly passed away. The vet's best guess was some type of tumor or cancer on her heart that suddenly burst. Doing some initial investigating it sounds like it could have been Hemangiosarcoma which seems to be somewhat common in Goldens. We're wondering if anyone else could provide insight as to what happened or if they've had similar experienices.

My wife and I really appreciate any help that can be given. This has been tough.

thank you very much.

So sorry you had to find GRF under such sad circumstances. I'm very sorry for your loss. My previous golden's brother died after leaping into a truck at about 5 years old. Likely for the same reasons you lost your Tess. Please make yourself at home here on the forum.

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I can offer no insight to what happened, but I wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss.

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Dave

I'm so very sorry for your loss

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Bear 6/2000-5/27/2012

I'm so sorry for your loss of Tess. My 9 year old boy died 5 months ago, also of hemangio. There is tons of support on this forum. It was explained to me that hemangio is a cancer of the lining of the blood vessels, and usually in the heart, liver or spleen. The tumors can burst, and then they bleed out. My heart goes out to you at this awful time--sending positive thoughts your way.

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"In life, the best walks are always too brief."


Gallagher(went to the Rainbow Bridge 08/02/02), and Fozzie's Mom forever!(Fozzie went to the Rainbow Bridge 07/14/12)

I'm so so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, goldens are prone to cancers which often are not found until, like your Tess, it is very close to the end. I'm sure it was comforting to her to have you close and hope, in time, that you can take comfort from that too. When you feel able, we'd love to hear more about your girl and see some pictures. Many here have lived with the loss of our fur babies, and you will find much friendship and support with people who understand.

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Betty and the Dallas crew


“Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” A. France

I'm so sorry for your loss of Tess. Such a tragedy to lose her that young. I hope you find the answers you need.

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Jodi

Thanks so much everyone for your support. Can anyone tell me if this Hemangio cancer could have had any symptoms that i should have known about? She was a healthy dog and at every vet checkup, she always had a good strong heartbeat. This is why it was so shocking to us. Pic of Tess attached.

thanks again

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I'm so sorry to hear of your precious pup. My first thought when I read this was knowing that maybe your pup was much more needed to be there for the children who lost there lives also 3 days ago. I would like to picture all the children running in a beautiful field and playing with all the goldens who have passed before them. Again I am so sorry , you will find a great deal of support on here.


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

I'm so sorry. I know you are heartbroken and devastated -- 6 is just too young.

I actually have a fairly similar story. My second golden suddenly died at 7. I was working in the yard and would occasionally kick the ball for him to play. I looked over and saw him lying on the ground. I walked over thinking he was going to jump up -- he did not. I was in total shock. I would walk into the house and just look out the window thinking this was really not happening. I called my vet at the time and he came to pick up the body (this was a Friday night). He performed an autopsy and I do not recall the exact details but he ruled out poisoning, choking and said when he opened the chest cavity and saw the heart the heart was very large. He said it was not a heart attack or "enlarged heart" Now this was 20 years ago but knowing what I know now, I wonder if it was hemangiosarcoma of the heart. Afterwards I called members of a local golden retriever club to talk to people and I spoke to a woman who had an identical incident.
Again, I am so very sorry.