Why did my 10-year-old Labrador die suddenly with heavy panting?

Question

My 10/yr labrador retriever passed away today. He was laying on the floor not moving but panting heavily! We immediately wrapped him in a sheet and took him to the nearest animal hospital on the car ride there he was panting as he was but then started to twitch and move and his eyes shot wide open. He then passed out and released everywhere! His breathing slowed and then I administered CPR till we got to the hospital. He passed away at the hospital. From his symptoms what would you say happened? Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 10 years and 4 months old | 114.3 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

First off, I'm so sorry you suddenly lost Ranger! How horrible for you, please accept my condolences for your loss :-( Please keep in mind that without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain what caused him to pass away, but I can make an educated guess. In senior dogs, heart problems are common, and he could have been suffering from heart failure causing the heavy panting and leading to his death. Unfortunately cancer is also common in senior dogs, especially Labs as a breed, and cancer could have caused him to pass away. Dogs are very stoic with illness, and oftentimes they don't show signs of that illness until they are very sick. Cancer that has spread to the lungs or a primary lung tumor would cause heaving panting and does lead to death. These two diseases would be my top differentials for what caused his death. If you want a definitive answer, you can request your vet do a necropsy (an autopsy for dogs). This would give you some answers. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Why did my 10-year-old Labrador die suddenly with heavy panting?

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