A Stroke?!?!?

[Dogz]

My dog Digger had a stroke!!! Have you ever heard of a dog having a stroke? At first I was really worried, so I called the vet. The vet said that elderly dogs sometimes have a little stroke, then they have a big stroke before they die. Isn't that awful? I just couldn't imagine what it would fell like not to have Digger by my side to pet, hug, cuddle with, and fuss over. I gave him extra vitamins and stuff. His stroke made one of the sides of his face hang down really low, and he drooled a lot. He couldn't perk his ear, and sometimes he walked crooked, and even limped. Now, that has changed a little bit. The one side of his face no longer hang low, it pulls back tight. He still walks a little crooked, but he dosen't limp. He still cannot perk his ear. I have some pictures of what he looks like now.

This first one is his bad side of his face. (the side that pulls back.)

[Dogz]

Here is the good side of his face. This side is the side that does not pull.

[Dogz]

Here is the front of his face. This is not a very good picture, but it does show the differences between the two sides. You can also see how it affected his eye because it is pulling there.

[Uabassoon]

I'm so sorry to hear about Diggers stroke.

[tatsxxx11]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about Digger's stroke:( He is such a handsome, sweet boy. I hope your dear boy continues to improve. I will be keeping him in my prayers. Please give him a hug for me.

[ownerof3dogs]

I am really sorry to hear that Digger had a stroke!!! That had to be very scary.I am glad though that he's doing better. I hope he continues to feel better.

[Dogz]

Me too! Let's not hope for the worst.:( It does make me sad that he has to go through this, but let's just keep him in our prayers y'all.

[KYS]

I will be thinking of Digger and sending him
lots of good thoughts that he continues to recover.
Group hug from all of us to Digger.

[anna_66]

Poor Digger:( I'll be keeping him in my thoughts and prayers.
Please keep us updated on his health.

[Dogz]

Right now Digger is about the same, but he is better with the walking sideways deal... I sure hope gets better! :(

[Tina]

I'm so sorry to hear about Digger:( I really hope he gets better.
He'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

[tatsxxx11]

Sweet Digger, you're breaking my heart:( I hope you will continue to improve. It sometimes takes a while following a stroke to begin to regain full function. I'll be praying for precious Digger. Try to stay positive, Digger's Mom. I know it's hard:( {{{hugs}}}

[Dogz]

Yes, it is hard, but he actually isn't close to the condition that he was before. He has improved a lot. Your support is really helping me.

[tatsxxx11]

Thinking of you Digger!! My Lab Star sends happy butt wiggles and get well licks to you sweetie!

[Dogz]

Thank you so much tatsxxx11 for all of your support... thanks all of the Pet Talkers!
Dogz

[tatsxxx11]

We love you dear Digger!! Have your Mommy give you a big hug and kiss from us! Sleep well, precious one!:)

[Dogz]

Thank you for all of your prayers you guys, but I have a little bit of bad news... not the news that popped into your head as you read this, but we think that Digger had another small stroke. I just don't know what to do. My mom doesn't want me to bring him to the vet, because she thinks that the only reason I want to bring him to the vet is because I want him to live longer... I just don't know the truth. It is deep down inside, but I just don't know. Can you tell me what I should do? I don't know if you can... It is so confusing... What is going to happen to my beloved pet??? :( :(
I just don't know what is going to happen...:( :(

[Dogz]

Let me rephrase the part where my mom doesn't want me to bring him to the vet.

My mom doesn't want me to bring Digger to the vet, because she thinks that the only reason I want to bring him to the vet is because she thinks that I think that I only want Digger to live longer.
That is not the truth... is it?

[tatsxxx11]

No, I think you just want to care for your Digger in the best way possible! I think taking him to the vets to have him evaluated is absolutely the right thing to do. With your vet you can discuss how best to treat him. And most vets, good vets, will certainly let you know when he believes that life may be becoming a struggle for sweet Digger. It is also a good time for you to discuss your concerns, fears, etc. I hope your Mom will allow you to take him. It sounds like he has been a very loving and devoted friend to your family these many years and deserves to be given every chance possible to enjoy time with his family. I'm hoping for the best. I'm a Lab Mom too and I know how much you love your sweet boy. Give him a big hug from all of us. I will be keeping him and you in my thoughts and prayers. {{{hugs}}} Sandra, Star and Cody

[Dogz]

Thank you so much tatsxxx11!!!
You are the only one who seems to understand... I mean I bet all of us on Pet Talk understand, because we all have pets that we love.
Thank you everyone,
Dogz

[tatsxxx11]

How's Digger doing???:confused: