Old dog stroke

[iamtheoneandonlyyy]

My old girl had a stroke yesterday. She's around 14/15, i rehomed her when she was about 1. They weren't 100% on her age.
She's had anti sickness injection and has some medication.
She's started eating a bit again but her balance is terrible. The vet says if she's not making progress in a couple of days then she's probably had enough.
I'm doing my best to keep a happy head on as I'm trying to be positive and not give off a bad atmosphere to her.
I know she's not a young'un but I'm still not prepared for bad news. Any success stories of similar?

My old boy took a while to recover , I think maybe he lost a lot of confidence , he was also elderly and three legged so balance wasn't easy , give her some time and keep her quiet , baby her a bit , that's what I found my boy needed , he went on for some time longer quite happily, nothing was asked of him just allowed to potter about as he wished

Sorry posted too early , when my boy had his stroke he seemed very disorientated - I rushed him up to the vets straight away ( 2010 pre covid) and was surprised they were able to medicate him and help him ( previous dog with stroke was many years prior and vet wasn't able to help at that time ) you know your own dog so keep an eye on her , I hope she's feeling better soon , eating is a good sign

That's really encouraging to read, thank you.
My girls blind and deaf as well and has arthritis, so I imagine being so dizzy and unbalanced must be scary for her. She's sleeping 99% of the time even before this, she's not a go getter!
I'm crossing my fingers and toes for her to keep eating and feel better in the next few days.
I'm also conscious of being selfish so I'm putting her needs first

Is it definitely a stroke or could it be vestibular syndrome (very similar but not the same)? My Labrador had a series of vestibular events about two years ago. He did take a while to get back to normal (more than a couple of days) and ever since he’s been on Canergy tablets to help with cerebral vascular blood circulation. He’s fifteen and a bit now. Did you discuss any further treatment with your vet?

One of mine had similar and never regained the proper use of a back leg. But he had a very happy extra year as a disabled dog - his balance was never great again but drop a crumb on the floor and he could beat any able-bodied dog to it. I would say to trust your instinct not the vet - and I don't mean that to be insulting to the vet. But the vet does not know your dog like you do, and as long as you know your dog is not in pain, then you will also know when the dog is telling you that it is time. I have twice had dogs that defied the vet - once a 13 year old that was attacked and got a viral infection which the vet said he could not recover from, but I insisted we give him a chance - he lived another healthy 3.5 years; and the same disabled dog I told you about before also had a health problem at about 13 and ended up in a coma (the vet couldn't identify what was wrong with him), but also pulled around and had another 3 years.

You know your dog - don't let it be in pain or unhappy. But be upbeat and happy with the dog, encourage and support, and you might just be lucky. They are incredibly adaptable and can cope with disability if there are some issues. But will take a lead from you and how you are acting.

You could try a towel under her tummy to help her balance when she needs to move. Same idea as a toddler walking in front of you when you hold both hands to keep them on an even keel.

It's definitely a stroke bless her.
Yes tried the towel and a scarf etc but even then no go.
I suspect she's in pain, she's on long term pain relief already so hopefully it's working for her.
I'm upbeat with her when she's awake but that's not very often!

It can take a few days for them to come round properly.

One of my clients' dogs had two small strokes on Saturday morning - he's 13 and while he slept most of yesterday, he's much brighter today (though still sleepy), eating and much more aware and "with it" if that makes sense. He even made it up the stairs :)

Just give it time - she may be 14 but it's not necessarily a death sentence! My fingers are crossed for you.

She's eating a bit I've been giving her little and often.
Still very wobbly and unsteady. She's taken herself off to the front door out of the way and has been asleep for a while.
I don't know😞

Early days , it will take time for her to improve , eating is a very good sign and wanting to walk is good she's bound to be wobbly , sleep is a time to heal , she very lucky to have you as a loving caring mum. Try to stay positive and upbeat , I know it's very hard

She tried but she was struggling too much.
It was too much for the old girl so took the decision to let her stay asleep this morning.
Heartbroken

So sorry to read your update , I've been thinking about you lots , so hard but you've done the kindest thing

Thankyou. The vet was wonderful, I can't thank her enough.
It's been really tough but she was clearly starting to be unhappy, she was such a great girl she didn't deserve a miserable time at the end
I'm struggling right now but I'm glad she's not ❤️

She had a wonderful life with you , that's very clear from the way you have written about her and the consideration you have given her , she was a lucky girl to have you , don't beat yourself up you did your very best , nothing will make things easier except time but take time and look after your self now , get some rest and remember the good times you have had together ❤️