My Black Labby, Emerson

[Husky_mom]

I´m really sorry for your loss....... I have to admit I didn´t recall Emerson´s face....... I think I saw very few pics from him.......and I´m sorry...... he seems to had been a wonderful boy adn he will still be at the RB.......

I think Phred just said the right words...... you gave him the time of his life by your side and he was thanful for that....... I know pics are a must, but having a soooo tresured mind image carved deep into you is much more valuable as you´ll have him with you wherever you go........

R.I.P. Emerson..... play hard boy

[Pawsitive Thinking]

This is just too sad for words Will be hugging my two boys extra tight tonight.

Play hard at the Bridge sweet boy - you are in good company

[finn's mom]

oh gosh, this is horrible. i am so so sorry. i loved emerson, still do...even if i never met him, he was always a favorite lab of mine.

[Sevaede]

**HUGS** R.I.P. Emerson.

What a beautiful boy!

[anna_66]

I keep sitting here trying to find the words to say to you Anna but all that comes is tears. My heart aches for you and your family.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that your little "extreme licker" would be leaving this world so soon. Your very lucky you got those licks...he really loved you.

Many, many (((HUGS)))

RIP Emerson
Please say hi to Keisha & Angus for me

[Logan]

Oh Anna. I will be back to "talk" with you more, later. I am so sorry.

[Jadapit]

I'm so very sorry for your loss! RIP sweet Emerson.

[ramanth]

Oh Anna. I'm in complete and utter shock. *HUGS*

The world is a little less bright now that you have gone Emerson. You are missed sweet labby boy.

[buttercup132]

Not another PT doggy.

R.I.P Em you were very handsome.

[trayi52]

Oh, Anna, I am so sorry. I just was not expecting this to happen so soon! I know it is a shock for you as well, and very heartbreaking. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Rest in Peace, sweet Emerson, and play hard at the bridge.

Willie

[prechrswife]

So sorry for your loss...

[jenluckenbach]

I am so orry for your loss.

RIP Emerson, you were loved and will be greatly missed.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. (((HUGS)))

[Cookiebaker]

I just wanted to give a little bit of an update -- we got the results from the autopsy on Friday,and there is nothing conclusive, and in many ways we are back where we started. The autopsy showed that he died from massive liver failure, and a lot of protein in his urine.

The question remains as to what sparked the massive liver failure. There are 3 theories at this point:

1. He had what the vet called an "idiocyncratic" reaction to the antibiotic he was on for a UTI. She equated it to someone who reacts to Pennicillin -- its not a "side effect" but in rare occasions it causes a deadly reaction. However there are 2 reasons that this would not be the case. He was taking the drug for 15+/- days prior and showed NO signs or symptoms. Further, he had his last dose of the meds on Saturday morning, and kept going downhill through Monday night. On Monday evening, he was alert enough to soak up some petting and attention from the vet, but within 4-6 hours afterwards, his liver failed. She thinks that the meds would have started to metabolize out of his system, and further damage would not have happened because he was off the drug. It is possible, but she doesn't think it is likely.

2. The second possiblity is that he had liver problems way back in February. Unfortunately with all the tests that they ran, they did not include a liver panel, so they have nothing to compare the final tests with. She ruled liver problems out then because of his age. It is not likely that a 3.5 year old dog would have liver problems. I didn't know this but liver symptoms are sometimes shown in the urinary tract, so it is quite possible.

3. The third theory is that there could have been a combination of 2-3 things that brought about the liver failure. She gave the supposition of a urinary tract infection, a mild reaction to the extended antibiotics, and he ate something that bothered his system -- she gave the example of the straw that broke the camel's back. It wasn't any single one thing that caused the system failure, but rather one thing triggered it, and then the next thing exacerbated it.

She is doing further research this weekend to see if she can get any further clues into his death.

Thank you so much for your kinds words. Thank you so much to those who sent pm's/cards in the mail. I will respond to each of you soon! I miss my boy so much, and it helps to know that others have felt this before too. I think it is especially hard because it was so sudden, so unexpected.

[Sudilar]

Was the drug metronidazole (flagyl)?

I am so very sorry that this happened to Emerson. My heart goes out to you.
I hope they can find a reason for it.