First of all, I would like to thank all of you for your comments, it means alot to me that so many people care. This place is great.

I went to the vet today to pick up Mistys ashes, and talked to the vet.

She told me that Mistys gums were very pale, she had a fever of 102 degrees, and her abdomen was extremely tender. She also said that she could feel a large mass in her abdomen that went into her chest. Also noted was labored breathing, dull heart sounds, and extreme weakness. There were no labs done as she died within 1 hour of getting to the vet, and the initial prognosis was VERY poor.

The vet told me that she was 99% sure that it was a cancer called Hemangiosarcoma, which forms in the cells of the blood vessels. Since the tumor is in/on the blood vessels, the tumor fillled with blood and eventually burst. Cause of death was internal bleeding cause by these tumors. Although she doesnt know for sure, the vet told me that there was most likely metastasis (spreading of cancer) throughout the body, especially in the lungs since she wasnt breathing very well.

I asked the vet if bringing her in the afternoon on the day before would have helped, she said it wouldnt have changed a thing, once these tumors start they are pretty much irreversable, and almost all of the time thye are inoperable. That made me feel a little better, since I was really blaming myself for not bringing her in the day before.

The oven fire also did not effect Mistys condition, just really bad timing...

I am very sad I did not get to say goodbye to her, but Im also happy that she was not in pain for an extended period of time. I had depression very bad in highschool and beginning of college, misty was my only friend for a few years. Ill miss her like crazy, and will never forget her companionship.

Thanks again for all your kind words, you all make it a lot easier on me knowing there are other people going through the same thing. Thanks for listening to my rambing...


Wes

I am happy for the fact that it was not because of the oven fire, now you know that there was nothing that you could have done. It has to relieve your guilt. I hope so. You gave your baby a wonderfull life and loved her. I hope finding this out has brought you some peace. Pamela

Dear Wes,

I'm so sorry for your loss of Misty. I just went back to your original post and saw Misty's picture. She was beautiful. I know you must miss her terribly.

You're in my thoughts.
Kathleen

Wes,
I am so glad you went and talked to the vet. I am just so sorry there was nothing they could do to save Misty. Maybe you will find comfort now that she is back home with you.
Ann

Thanks for updating us on Misty's cause of death. I've said many times how sad it is that cancer takes so many furbabies! I hope this at least brings you peace in knowing that nobody was to blame for her death. Your story touched my heart so much because I went through the same things with my Rachael. My vet also told me that there wasn't anything we could have done for her.

I am just so glad that Misty was in your life for you. It sounds like she got through that terrible depression. Our furbabies give such unconditional love

I found that honoring Rachael's memory for all the wonderful years she gave me has helped me alot. I have made contributions in her name to animal shelters and the ASPCA. In fact, I don't know why I didn't think of it until now, but I would love to donate to cancer research too!

Cheri

Deartest Wes,

I'm so glad to hear that your discussion with your vet helped you.
Yes, isn't it amazing at what our animals can do to improve our mental and physical health! It is great to hear that you had Misty to help you with your disease...so many people suffer with this disease alone.

Thank you for giving us more details.It may help others.

Please take care Wes.