As in humans it could be that he had an allergy to start when you first gave it to him but it was so mild that you didn't notice. If you give someone (human or animal) something they have a "mild" allergic reaction to the subsequent ones can than be fatal causing anaphylatic shock. This may be what happened or it could have been completely unpredictable reaction that is never forseen.
Sorry about your lose and I hope your family is doing okay.
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