My dog died suddenly. What caused her panting, bleeding, and collapse?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 40 lbs
my dog recently died a sudden death. I was wondering if there was a way to give you her symptoms to see if we could narrow down what might have been the cause? She was panting, having trouble breathing, coughing, she seemed dizzy/out of it and she was bleeding from her vagina. She was spayed and was very healthy her entire life. She was running and eating that morning and within 30 minutes of me finding her panting...she passed away. She was almost 9 years old.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 17th, 2019
Again, I'm sorry you lost Honey suddenly. One thing that comes to mind to me is a splenic hemangiosarcoma (tumor on the spleen). The dog acts completely normal while this tumor is growing (or shows only very subtle signs of illness), and then suddenly crashes and dies when the tumor ruptures (which they do). It appears to come out of nowhere. This happened to my dog. He seemed completely fine, then one night out of nowhere, he was panting and having trouble breathing. I rushed him into the clinic, and he had a stomach full of fluid. There was nothing I could at that point in time. Another option is she got into something toxic. I wish I could give an exact answer, but without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain, but I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 12th, 2020
I'm sorry that this happened but unfortunately, these types of cancers come on quickly and it is very likely there was no sign of it 3 months ago. Please don't put blame on your vet. I'm sure they are as heartbroken as you. Dogs are very good about hiding illness until it is too late. This same thing happened with my own dog. I had done bloodwork, x-rays and an abdominal ultrasound as routine screening and then three months later he passed from a splenic hemangiosarcoma that had spread to his whole body, brain and spinal cord. He was only a bit lethargic for two days prior to collapse but was otherwise pretty normal. It is just unfortunate. The tumor on the spleen is probably uncomfortable but not necessarily painful but, of course, no one knows for sure. There is no way to know when it came on or how long she was sick before the bleeding started. My guess would be a couple of weeks. Again, I am very sorry for your loss but this is no one's fault - it is just the nature of a living being.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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