I'm feeling absolutely heartbroken and could really use some advice or comfort. Two days ago, I took my sweet Lily, my 3-year-old Lab mix, in for what was supposed to be a routine spay surgery. Everything seemed fine when I picked her up, but by the next morning, she was lethargic and wouldn't eat or drink. I rushed her back to the vet, but it was too late. They said she might have had an internal bleed or a reaction, but I just can't wrap my head around how something so routine could go so horribly wrong. I'm left with so much guilt and so many questions. Have any of you been through something like this? How do you cope with losing them like this, when it just feels so sudden and preventable? I’m struggling to deal with the emptiness around the house and can’t stop blaming myself. Any advice or just words of comfort would really mean a lot right now.
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved dog. Losing a pet is incredibly difficult, and it's understandable that you might be looking for answers. There are a few different factors that could lead to complications after a spay surgery, including rare reactions to anesthesia, surgical complications, or preexisting health issues that weren't apparent beforehand.
It's important to know that while spaying is a routine procedure with a high success rate, no surgery is risk-free. In some cases, an undiagnosed condition like a bleeding disorder could increase risks. Other times, infections or internal bleeding might occur post-surgery.
At home, signs that something was amiss might have included excessive lethargy, vomiting, swelling at the surgical site, pale gums, or labored breathing. If you noticed any of these, it's a sign to reach out to a vet immediately.
You did the best you could for your dog by providing care that was routine and well-intentioned. If you have more questions or need support during this tough time, considering a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet might provide some comfort and help you find clarity on this matter. We're here to support you.
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