I’m fairly certain that the vets would have given him pain meds and fluids IV before transporting him, hoping to prevent shock, but the pain from a blockage is intense. People know it is a possibility with any large dog because of their lack of chewing food, but there really aren’t any early symptoms to see. The lucky ones throw up and get rid of the blockage, but if they can’t, surgery is the only option.

It does happen anywhere and isn’t really related to pulling the sled.

Another sad aspect of this is that dogs are pack animals, and General was alone and scared without his pack when he was sick and dying.

Thanks for the update, Bryan.