A very tragic weekend

[BCSnob]

We're still in shock and very depressed after this past weekend. We were at a sheepdog trial in NY north of NYC near the CT line. Sunday morning my wife was "setting sheep" (bringing out and keeping sheep in place for the competing teams) with her dog Bette (11 years). After completing her stint setting sheep she put Bette in her crate to reset. Bette went in alert and relaxed. About an hour later we went to take the dogs out for lunch time potty break and Bette was unable to stand, she was mentally alert. There were 5 vets at this trial and one is certified in Chiro; she checked Bette over and could find no physical cause for the lack of muscle control in her back legs (she did have feeling in her back legs). While checking Bette over she started to loose color (grey gums). We contacted 3 more vets that were at the competition and the 4 of them worked to try to save Bette (IVs, Ultrasound to investigate, CPR, epinephrine, etc.) but within about an hour of getting her out of her crate she was dead. Bette was tested for the cause of death and the preliminary results indicated vegetative endocarditis (bacterial growth on a heart valve); bits of this growth likely broke off leading to embolism(s). Bette had no symptoms of endocarditis (we looked up the symptoms) prior to this; she was an athletically fit Border Collie. My wife is devastated.

[Toolguy5]

So sorry for your loss.

[AZPops]

I'm so very sorry for your loss, Mark.


Pops n' Calvin

[ReneeG]

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Bette. Words cannot adequately express nor console you in such a difficult time. Nine years ago we lost one of our beloved pets. She was healthy one minute and fighting for her life the next, within 3 days we lost her and it hit me really hard. It took a long time to get past losing her. Since then we've lost three others for different reasons, each very difficult. We have two now and although I think of the others often, our two girls bring us a lot of joy.

[otis-agnes]

Bette is a beautiful pup. May happy memories carry you through this tough time. My sincere condolences. Agnes

[dspencer]

I'm so very sorry for your loss, that is heartbreaking for sure. She was a beautiful lady.

Doug

[BCSnob]

[RBak]

I am so very sorry, Mark. I know Bette was a special member of your family. May your sorrow be eased in your memories of her.

Rita
Buttons the Princess Sheltie
Andy and Champ, at the Bridge
Nicky, my beautiful, intelligent Tennessee Walker mare

[Nicholsfamily05]

We are so sorry to hear about your loss

[rexlion]

Sounds like Bette was a great old girl. I know she will be missed.

[Crowe]

So sorry to hear. My SIL just suddenly lot one of her show labs (3 1/2 years old) under similar circumstances to what Dr. Doug described. Nothing can prepare you for that kind of shock. Sending prayers you way.

[dturm]

I'm so sorry, Mark. Acute problems like this are devastating. No warning, nothing you can do and you always end up second guessing and thinking what if.

My very favorite golden of all time, Amanda, was slowing down but she was 12. All of a sudden she collapsed, got pale and shocky. I got her to the hospital and she died before I could even get an IV in her. I know it was a hemangiosarcoma tumor in her heart that ruptured (autopsy), but no evidence before hand. Still second guess myself on that one.

Again, very sorry for your loss.

Doug

[pulsar]

So sorry for you loss. Having tragically lost a dog, we understand how painful it can be.

Lot's of warm fuzzies being set your way.

Tom and Sarah

[magnusfide]

Shock and sorrow; prayers for you in your grief.

[GypsySeniors]

What an awful shock and tragedy...I feel your pain and heartache...sounds like you did everything humanly possible for your dear girl...I know she was well loved and a family member...You are in my thoughts and prayers...your heart is broken.

[Mote]

We are so sorry for your loss. That would be heartbreaking.