Trust your gut if you think your dog is ill

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Our sweet eleven year old Springer developed bloat this morning. As soon as we realized something was wrong, we rushed him to our 'vacation' vet where he had emergency surgery to 'untangle' his insides, his stomach and spleen had sustained too much damage and we had to let him go.  We are in shock and devastated to say the least.  Even the vet said at first she suspected other serious problems because English Springer Spaniels aren't a breed commonly connected with bloat.  Gordie didn't display 'all' the symptoms listed in the articles until he was actually at the vet, but he was sick enough that it was obvious that something was seriously wrong.   I write this in hopes that you will learn the symptoms and watch your precious pups and listen to your what your gut is telling you. 

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/gastric-volvulus-bloat-dogs

Gordie was from a backyard breeder before we knew what that meant.  He had quite a few physical problems throughout his life consistent with careless breeding.  He weathered these with his sweet temperament.  It was very hard for us to know when Gordie was in pain because he was so stoic.  Today he wasn't, and that was our biggest clue. 

One thing Gordie was, was anxious.  When he was a puppy, it showed up in his destructiveness.  He ate 2 couches and a chair cushion by cushion; he chewed molding off the walls; he ate the corners off rugs; and scratched doors.  As a pup he could not tolerate crating, but when allowed on the bed, stayed put until morning. He outgrew being destructive when trying to 'find' us and began his heart-wrenching howling and  barking.  He had to be with 'his people' and if he wasn't, he was frantic.  Recently he got shut in a bedroom.  It wasn't more than a minute before the howling began. We adjusted our lives to ensure that Gordie wasn't left alone.  Yet with all this anxiety, he was also the perfect dog.  My youngest son often took him to college where he slept with the guys, attended classes, watched skate boarding and  Frisbee golf.

[Jenny and Cooper]

Nancy, we're so sorry for your loss. You have provided Gordie with so much love. We're sending over our deepest sympathy and many hugs ((((hugs)))). --J & E

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Hugs help.  Thanks.

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

Nancy, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you, Lyndy.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

I'm so sorry for your loss! :( hugs for all of you!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you, Jessica.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Oh Nancy , I am so sorry to hear this. I feel as though I have known Gordie through the years of stories and pictures of him with your other dogs.  Prayers going out to you all.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Sue, I feel that I know your doodles too, even if it is virtual.  Thank you.

[DJ & Chance]

Oh, Nancy, Gordie was such a wonderful friend and beautiful soul.  I am so sorry for your loss and thank you for offering such wise advice to others on DK.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks, DJ.  All he wanted was love - truly a 'beautiful soul.'

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Gordie was so fortunate to have you and your family as "his people." You gave him what we all want for ourselves- to be loved in spite of our faults. I'm so sorry for your loss and can't imagine what you must be going through. Cling to all of the good memories that you have of him...

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you, Lorie.  We do have such sweet memories.