I truly appreciate everyone's sympathies. Reading your posts reminded me of something I had nearly forgotten. At one point I was concerned I may have slipped up, and didn't rinse his hide thoroughly enough after cleaning it with 10% bleach solution, as I always do, and it simply slipped my mind. Though I think that occurred after the initial signs that had me worried. It pains me to think I may have overlooked something so basic. Could this have been the cause??? I wish I could take him for an autopsy, but I've already buried him. I wanted to freeze him but my mother was against keeping him in the freezer. Once again, thank you all!