We finally got Orange's necropsy back. It was technically inconclusive, however, the ER vet feels that acute pneumonia is potentially the culprit here and, if I had not euthanized him, he would have died of pneumonia. It is just impossible to definitively say whether pneumonia was the root cause or a symptom.Pneumonia can happen to pups when they accidentally aspirate milk while nursing. His liver did show some damage/abnormal changes, but my vet feels that was due to him struggling for the last couple days of his life as his body shut down.
At this time, she says she maintains that it was a "freak illness" (her words) and that his littermates and any future pups are not at risk. I am having my personal vet give a 2nd opinion based of the necropsy and will let you know if he feels differently.
You can view the necropsy results yourself above, feel free to share with your vet and if he/she has another opinion, feel free to share it with me!
Mr. Orange was seen by Emergency Veterinary & Specialty Services of Roanoke, however, his records are available at my everyday vet (contact information below). Your vet is welcome to contact my vet's office directly for records on Orange. I have given verbal permission for anyone to access Orange's file on request (listed as Daisy's boy) but Botetourt Vet may want to call me to confirm before releasing records. Of course I will authorize release.
While I encourage you to request vet references and to inquire if you have concerns, please be mindful of my veterinarian's time. We could have 14 people reaching out to him about this case. I encourage you to have your vet request medical records directly and ask questions after reviewing the file.
Botetourt Veterinary Hospital Dr. Porter (540)-992-2711