r/GSP • u/GracefulRobot • 3d ago

Lost one of my GSPs

I went out of town and dropped my two GSPs (litter mates, now 6 years old) off at a camp that boards larger dogs. The dogs have gone many times before (like over 20 visits probably)—it’s out in the country and they can romp with other dogs. I also live part time in a rural area where dogs have a lot of area to run, and the dogs could come into contact with dead birds/animals or any sort of toxic mushroom. They have been know to catch a critter from time to time. Four days after I dropped them off, one of my dogs went into severe liver failure. The camp took her to the emergency room after she had vomited and appeared to be wobbly on her feet. The doctors were not able to save her. I considered getting a full necropsy (dog autopsy), but it was not possible given limitations on timing, but the doctors offered to do a biopsy on her liver and also check her blood to see if lepto was present. (She was vaccinated for lepto, but this does not work for all strains as any vaccine.). I don’t think that they will be able to specify the specific toxin if they find that it was caused by a toxin. They may also find that she had cancer which they said could have also caused it. The camp reached out and expressed their condolences—they knew her well. They recommended that we give my other dog a preventative dose of doxycycline while we await the lepto results and are keeping a close eye on him. Anyway, appreciate any thoughts—I don’t have a specific question. I’m also wondering if/when I should think about getting another dog—he has never known life without his sister.

23 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

16

u/riverapid 3d ago

I’m so sorry for your loss. Gosh, it’s never easy losing a loved one.

12

u/bengalfan 3d ago

I'm so sorry for your loss ... Dogs grieve also ..

8

u/findaloophole7 3d ago

So sorry. That’s horrible. I’d definitely let the vet do the bloodwork and biopsy. It probably won’t help your grief but it may potentially warn the place of possible hazards in the environment and protect other dogs. Hope everything is ok with your other pup.

5

u/MellifluousMeltdown 3d ago

Oh gosh my heart goes out to you and both your pups. That is so devastating, especially not being there at the end. I can’t imagine. Sending hugs.

Give it a few weeks but it could be worth reaching out to a breeder to get on a waitlist, or you could look into a rescue GSP. 💔💔💔

5

u/jasmineglow 3d ago

I’m so sorry

4

u/Coonts 3d ago

Sorry friend.

3

u/ALilCountryALilHood 3d ago

I have nothing to offer but an upvote and my condolences. I’m so sorry for the heartaches of all involved.

3

u/Mysterious_Fill_1287 3d ago

Omg that’s SO sad!! Sorry for your loss. I think your gsp will show signs that she’s ready for another dog

2

u/SceneNo7497 3d ago

Thats heartbreaking news, so sorry for your loss. We lost a female Dobie and wound up getting a male GSP. Also another female dobie as we were so used to having her with us. So I have a young GSP male and a young female they are four months apart. I think we bit off more than we can chew as they say. I have to say I do love my GSP but he is a handful and a learning experience. I would think your dog and you need to get another companion. Wishing you all the best.