The autopsy report on Sammy, our little diabetic dog who died suddenly less than two weeks ago, came back, and we finally may have an answer. The mystery surrounding his death was the sudden temperature spike -- to 107 degrees -- even as his insulin levels were normal.
The report showed no hidden tumors or other organ failures, although the autopsy (in animals, it's actually called a necropsy) did show changes in certain organs consistent with diabetes. However, after reviewing the report, our internal medicine specialist in Helena, Dr. Britt Culver, concluded that the most likely scenario was a blood clot that lodged in the area of the brain that controls the body's ability to thermo-regulate itself. With a blood clot cutting off that part of the brain -- a type of stroke, as it were -- Sammy's internal thermostat shut down, causing the rapid and uncontrolled overheating.
Diabetes can increase the coagulation in blood, thus making diabetes patients more susceptible to these types of secondary events.
We at least feel better having some kind of explanation for Sammy's baffling and tragic death.
This photo of Sammy and me was taken on July 15th, a week before he died. He was such a happy little character, even though he spent so much time in the hospital. You can see where his left arm was shaved for the IV tubes he often needed. The photographer was Jessica Parkes, who is a student at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula and came out for a class project. She shot a lot of wonderful photos that day and sent us a CD so we can use some in our next slide show on the Web site. We're grateful to Jessica for letting us use her photos, and particularly grateful she got this memorable photo of Sammy.
(Click on photo for larger image.)
What a fabulous photo of you and Sammy! Think often of the pleasant memories you have of him. He knew he was loved and royally cared for.
Posted by: Nina | August 06, 2006 at 11:05 AM
I've always liked this quote:
'If there are no dogs in heaven,
then when I die I want to go where they went. - Anonymous'
Posted by: David | August 04, 2006 at 01:52 PM
Debbie says it exactly the way I feel. He is a special little dog that captured our hearts.
Posted by: Karen SA/TX | August 04, 2006 at 12:46 AM
Such a bittersweet photo. Sammy was such a special guy. He will live in all our hearts.
Posted by: Leigh | August 03, 2006 at 08:06 PM
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Sammy. Jack russell terriers are such wonderful dogs. I love this picture!! I hope the autopsy results were able to ease your mind a bit on how you lost him.
Posted by: Mandy Watson, Laramie, WY | August 03, 2006 at 01:55 PM
What a great photo of you and Sammy, it's on my desktop today.
He's so handsome and happy...and always will be for as long as he's remembered.
You took excellent care of him and he knows it.
Posted by: Leilani | August 03, 2006 at 09:36 AM
What a wonderful photo of you with sweet Sammy. Now you know that there was nothing that you could have done differently, to have saved his life. Sammy was loved & had a great time at the RDR. He recieved the ultimate care while he was under your "watch." It is very sad that his life ended so tragically, but you did everything in your power to save him, & he knew he was loved.
Thank you for all you do,
ginger & Tobias
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | August 03, 2006 at 02:39 AM
Poor wee Sammy. That is so tragic. I'm glad he had a loving home and was well loved in his last few months of life.
Posted by: sarah | August 02, 2006 at 11:48 PM
Thank goodness you now have some answers. It doesn't ease the pain of losing little Sammy, but at least you know you did everything you could and beyond. You went the extra mile with Sammy and he understood your dedication and love for him. RDR critters are blessed to have you.
Debbie Burke
Posted by: Debbie Burke | August 02, 2006 at 09:17 PM