Will Falconer, DVM Moderator
Hi Renee,
Oh, what a great loss for you. I'm so sorry.
Going through this dog's story, I would take exception to what Dr. WhiteCoat told you. Much more likely than mosquito bites (he really said this??) or ticks would be the two best known "immune confusers" in conventional "prevention:"
1. Vaccinations (commonly within a month of a disaster in health)
2. Heartworm drugs. Especially Trifexis.
I'd be interested to hear if there was history of either of these risky procedures in the month prior. It may help your decision process for future animal raising.