Sudden Loss of a Papillon Who Coughed Up Bloody Foam
by Deborah
(LaPine Oregon)
Reader Question
Our 10 year old Papillon was happy and active. She showed no signs of lung issues. The only thing that was off was that she limped sometimes. But she had luxating patellas. So that was understandable. One day she was a bit "off". Didn't want to go for a walk like she did every morning. Also didn't want breakfast. Then she vomited some foamy stuff. I noticed that she was breathing kinda hard but I was thinking it was just the heat we were experiencing in July. Maybe she had a tummy ache. I planned to take her to the Vet in the morning if she wasn't better, as it was a Sunday. That evening as we were going to bed she was breathing harder and I was getting worried. I heard her get up to get a drink. Then suddenly she started gagging. There was blood in the foam that she was coughing up. We got up to take her to emergency 30 miles away. By the time we got there she was gasping for air and limp. We had no idea what was wrong. They rushed her into an oxygen tent started an IV and took X-rays. We were told that she had advanced lung cancer and that her lungs had filled with blood. Her brain had stopped getting oxygen, so she didn't even know what was going on. We had to put her down. It was such a shock! She never coughed or showed any symptoms. It's been a month now and I still cry everyday. She was the most wonderful dog ever. Hope I never have to go through something like that again. Has anyone else had a story like ours?
Answer from Our Team
We're so sorry for the loss of your Papillon. Losing a dog suddenly, with no warning, is a terrible shock, and it's completely normal to still be grieving a month later.
Please don't blame yourself. Some lung tumors cause no obvious signs until they bleed or affect breathing, and by then they may be advanced. Signs like these can come on very quickly, and you acted fast and got her to emergency care. Many owners have had similar experiences, and pet-loss support groups and helplines can help you through this.
See dog throwing up white foam.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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