Kelly's Necropsy Results

[Guest ReleaseTheHound]

The emergency vet never really explained why the results took 4 weeks. I was mad enough that they didn't tell me it would take 2 weeks until I paid, even though my stated purpose for the necropsy was to ensure there was no danger to Thorulf, which (had there been such a danger) would have defeated its purpose. Anyway, the only serious thing they found was an infection in her bladder that seems to have poisoned her organs, i.e. "severe septic and ulcerative cysticis which likely led to septic shock."

 

She had been on antibiotics for a suspected infection, then a different antibiotic after that to prep for the dental cleaning. So it was a really unlikely thing. The good news is there is nothing indicated that presents any danger to Thorulf. He's doing fine, if a little bored when I'm out of the house, because he doesn't know she died, he just knows she's not here. Me, I'm with occasional but maybe I'll be ready to chip after some more time.

[seeh2o]

I there is some peace for you in knowing that you and your vet were doing the right things and that Thorulf was not in harms way.

 

:bighug

[Charla]

I'm so sorry for your loss, poor Thorulf must really be lonely too. Sepsis is a sneaky, nasty thing and can really overwhelm a hound or fairly human quickly.

[4My2Greys]

An added

[Houndtime]

Again, so sorry for your loss and sending warm hugs your way.

[EllenEveBaz]

Nowdays, with generations of overuse of antibiotics, many infections will not respond to many antibiotics. And as posted above, sepsis can be a swift and silent killer.

 

Don't worry about chipping unless you really want to. to you and Thorulf.

[Batmom]

 

We tend to think of bacteria as something we can cure. But as others said, not so with sepsis -- ai yi yi. :(

 

Sending hugs to yourself and Thorulf.

[Remolacha]

 

I always think it's better to know

[JohnF]

That was way out of order for it to take so long; we need to know right away if it was poisoning or trauma. The Sepsis idea makes sense. I am always uncomfortable when the vet starts out with something general like Amox. as it's been used way too often. I'll monitor my dog's temperature, it's heartbeat, check that it isn't dehydrated... anything to try to spot shock before it's too late; though realisticly there's not a lot you can do if it goes bad quickly.

I hope the results can help give you some closure.

[fliggie]

I'm so sorry. My vet did a necropsy on my furbaby who passed in February because she hadn't been able to accurately diagnose what it was exactly that was happening to her. It took quite some time for those results to come as well--I was a bit surprised, but she had asked me if she could do one for her own piece of mind. Between the labs coming back and consulting with another specialist, I believe it took at least 3 if not 4 weeks. I think some of the testing took longer than others.

 

[Guest LindsaySF]

 

At least you know your other pup is not in danger.

[JJNg]

Sorry for your loss of Kelly. I hope you were able to get some closure from the results.

 

It's actually fairly standard for a complete necropsy to take 3-4 weeks for final results. The microscopic exam, advanced laboratory tests, tissue cultures, and other follow-up tests are what cause the delay. However, some pathologists will give a preliminary report within the first week based on what they see on the initial evaluation.