My dog, Rain, passed away this morning? possible Morphine sensitivity issue?

Question

She had an aggressive form of bone cancer, we had her on pain meds and she was doing just fine. I woke up this morning and she was seizing in her crate. I got her out and she went limp. I could still feel a heartbeat, though she didnt seem to be breathing. I was going to do CPR but she seized again, and died in my arms. The vet is going to a necropsy, to see why, but they fear it was just poor health. I just dont understand it. She was on Morphine for a few weeks now with little or no problem other than being really sleepy. We have been keeping her comfortable and on a low exercise and activity regimen. Shes always had poor health but this was so unexpected. The vet really couldn't see much when we took her in, no stroke though he couldnt rule out a heartattack quite yet. He thinks it was just "her time to go" as he put it. I trust him very much, but I still feel shocked. I havent even cried yet, I did love her and though shes been more of a pain in the rear, most of her life, I had a sense of duty and connection to her that ran deep. I would never intentionally put her in harms way. Did anyone else do do this on Morphine?

Answer 1

I am sorry about your beloved Rain.

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea

You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.

I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said, "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair

I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you every day

To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled; I think you knew...

In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning

And say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me.

~Author Unknown~

Answer 2

I went through bone cancer with one of my Greyhounds.   Bone cancer is the most painful type of cancer.

Feel blessed that your girl passed away before the pain got so bad that the pain killers couldn't cut the pain any more.   My dog lived longer than the pain meds worked, and it was a blessing to him when we let him go.

I'm sending you a HUG today .... you surely need it.

It's never easy to lose a dog.

Answer 3

I am so very sorry for your loss.  I wouldn't know about this kind of thing with the cancer and the morphine.  Here is something that I will hope to give you some measure of comfort in the wake of losing your baby:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....  Author  

Answer 4

im sory to hear of your lose, sounds like Omydarling has some beef with you. What a nit wit.

Answer 5

I am so very sorry for your loss. I recently lost my dear one, and I know the agony of losing such a friend.

I found this discussion of morphine used for pain control for bone cancer. (quoted)

Adverse effects associated with morphine include nausea, vomiting, slowed intestinal movement, constipation, restlessness, low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, slowed breathing, behavior changes and seizures. The most profound adverse effects associated with morphine are suppression of breathing and sedation.

http://www.bonecancerdogs.org/main/docum...

My heart and prayers are with you.

Added:

Ahhhh..she looks just like Bonny. We had a dog at the local shelter, who had been there for 6 months. She was a Lab/Basset mix. I found her while doing research for a children's book I was writing, (for the local school children) and based my book on Bonny. She soon did find a home, and I saw her boating with her family shortly afterward. God bless the shelter dogs.

You gave Rain the best life possible, and she was blessed to have found you.

Thank you for sharing her picture.

Answer 6

Well, she did have aggressive bone cancer. If it metastasized, it could cause a lot of different problems.

Be strong, your dog died in the arms of the person they love the most. You gave her a good life and her passing was fairly quick.

Answer 7

I am so sorry to hear  about Rain.

I have never had a dog on morphine, but being a nurse aide I do know that when a humans health is deteriorating and they are terminal, if given this drug it speeds up the dying process.

Again, I am so sorry for your loss.