11yo possible stroke

[SpiritHorse]

This isn't easy as I am still in shock so to speak.

We found our 11 yo shaking and walking funny and then she collapsed on her hind end.
We took her to our vet and he said either she got into something moldy or had a stroke.
Since my dogs are tied up, it is more likely the stroke.

Anyone have any ideas on how to make her more comfortable and get her better?

He gave her some vitamin B pills and gave her meds including a trank there at the clinic. He said it would be 72 hours before she would be able to walk again.

The poor thing hates being in the basement where it is warm and hates that her legs won't work.

Please help I have never been through this with my dogs!!!!
Thanks

[LorraineO]

Well aside from whatever the vet said,,,, a lotta hugs and loving goes a long way Hope your baby gets better....

[Scooby4]

My dog Scooby had a stroke a year and half ago. My realtor was showing my house and found him on the floor not walking. By the time we got to the Vet's his ENTIRE right side was "Dead". It was cold to touch and he could NOT stand. Scooby is a Jack Russell/Beagle mix and kind of chubby. The vet gave him some shots to relax him but his paralysis didn't subside. He was in the vet's for a week. I visited EVERY day. He wouldn't go to the bathroom unless I took him and he ended up falling in it on the cement floor at the vet's. I cried but did NOT give up on him.
Finally, I got the vet to release him. The vet told me he would walk to the right for awhile and in circles. His right paws could not support his weight for periods of time. I bought Scooby a small skateboard to put his side on. His left side worked fine.
I massaged him EVERY day. I laid him beside me and rubbed his right side a few times a day for about 20 minutes. This helped alot with restoring the blood supply and feeling. I would take him for VERY short walks outside at first. However, his paws would scrape against the road and cut his paws. Got him a pair of mittens for his paws. He'd lose them anyways!
Finally, I ended up buying a new house with a back yard instead of having him walk on the street. (My only option where I lived is the street) I bought the house and let him down the back deck. A few minutes a later I discovered he could NOT walk up the stair on the deck! I just bought a house and he can't get in!!! I had to carry him up the stairs for awhile. I finally bought some concrete blocks to add to the stairs to compensate for the few inches he wasn't able to push himself up to. That worked.
The good news is that Scooby is 90% back to normal after about a 8 months after the stroke. The vet said he may improve even more since there is some nerve reaction in his leg. However, his right front paw has no feeling in it and I don't think ever will. His legs do work and he runs around like nothing is wrong. He is still Alpha dog out of 3 other dogs that are bigger than him. He even bloodied the nose of a German Shepard I tried to adopt!
My suggestion is to look for one of those carts designed for handicap dogs. You can find them in the advertising section of Dog fancy magazine. Scooby liked Skateboards before so that worked for me. Keep the circulation flowing and rub in a circular motion. Watch for the extra treats! You don't want to add any weight to the dog!
You don't have to put the dog down for this. My Scooby has his ups and downs every day but is going strong! He's spoiled rotten and knows it!

[SpiritHorse]

Hi Scooby,

Lissa is a German Shepard/Husky mix.
Although I love her dearly if for some reason she cannot get back to somewhat walking I may consider putting her down.
We live in the country and unless she has a 4 wheel driven object it will be hard to get something like a skateboard.

I haven't given up the fight just yet, she got up on all 4s and walked a bit and back down she went. The vet said she should be out of it in a couple days. But hearing how long your Scooby went makes me wonder.

He gave her meds including a strong trank which has finally wore off.
When I was trimming her backside to make it easier to clean her up I noticed her tail would jerk as if she could feel what I was doing that is normal of her when I trim her backside so I am hoping she will come out of this.

I have been stretching her legs, and will try the massage this evening to start it anyhow. Our vet did never say anything about euthanization so it is still hopeful.

Thanks for the replies guys!!!!

[tatsxxx11]

I'm so sorry to hear about your precious Lissa I have no experience working with/treating dogs with strokes, but do with humans. (Nurse) Stroke patients are capable of making phenomenal strides in imporvement, given time Adn you've been given some great first hand advice. Take all your questions to the vet. She/he sounds like a positive/caring practitioner and should be a good source of support and advice. I'll be thinking of your dear Lissa. Please check in to update us and give Lissa a hug for me! Sandra

[Scooby4]

It took about 2 weeks for Scooby to be able to somewhat stand up completely. Then about a week after that he surprised me by jumping up on me!!! The poor thing had a terrible time on my lenoleum and tile flooring! He got around best on carpeting or grass.
Exercise in limitation is good. If the dog wasn't leader of the pack already, be careful about letting the other dogs around. They know when another dog is weak and may "fight" a little so as to reorder the pack. Shaggy was joyous when Scooby was gone! However, I'd take Shaggy with me on Vet visits just to let him know Scooby ain't left the building yet!
I had to carry Scooby alot when we first started out walking. It would wear him out easily to walk a 100 yards. He'd let me know if it was too much. Now he's just spoiled and wants carried.
If you do see some kind of reaction that is good. The last time I took Scooby to the vet we saw his front right leg shaking. The Vet said this was an excellent sign that his nerves were still working. I can only imagine this might be the same for your dog's reaction.
If your dog licks you when you do the massaging, this may be a good sign. It means they are feeling something. Scooby's right paw does NOT react but touching his right leg he licks me. If the dog licks too much lay off the rubbing for a bit. It may be tickling or bothersome. It is pain if they bite or snap. Good luck!

[dragondawg]

Geriatric dogs can develop a condition known as Vestibular Disease. The dog will exhibit loss of balance resulting in it unable to stand, sometimes head tilting, eye movement from side to side, and disorientation.

Very little is understood about this neurological disease. Most dogs will spontaneously recover anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks in time. Sometimes Prednisone aids in recovery. Tranquilizers should not be used as it makes a disorientated dog more disorientated. Once the dog recovers it usually will not have another attack, although some do have repeated occurances.

If the dog hasn't recovered in 3 weeks, then you have to consider getting some diagnostics run. Examples include: A blood panel to check for hypoglycemia, an MRI to check for possible brain tumors, or checking for an inner ear infection.

Check with the Vet on the Prednisone, and give puppy more time. Hopefully it's Vestibular Disease and puppy will spontaneously recover.

[SpiritHorse]

DD you may be right here, Lissa is on Prednisone for a week.
She is doing soooo much better!! It is given in the AM and she picks right up!
Last night she stood on all fours for a nice length of time and although like a drunk she walked on her own!!!
My husband and I took her out for a small walk outside when he got home from work.
Today she had two outings already and the second time she took ME for a walk!!!
She wants outside sooo bad but not until our vet says she can.
She is walking a bit better but you can tell it is still comprimised sp?
I have been working with her and thanks to all the thoughts and prayers and the man upstairs and her father's spirit I now know she will be okay.

DD if this is what is her ailment I know she will be okay

Thanks to all of you!!!!!

[dragondawg]

puppy dogs can recover from various ailments.

As I indicated there's probably a good chance this will never reoccur.

P.S. After your dog recovers, make sure you withdraw from the Prednisone gradually. You have to give the dog's body a chance to restart its own cortisteroid production again. Work with your Vet to get a schedule laid out for withdrawing when the time comes.

[SpiritHorse]

I sure will thanks for that bit of info~~~

We had to take her in about 1AM this morning her belly had swollen up and was hard.

He got the bowels to release the gas and poo, he put her on 2 more different meds for that.

He also gave her a shot, wasn't sure what it was I was so tired I forgot to ask. And her walking is back to limited like she had been at first. But won't give up !

[dragondawg]

Nothing like constipation and gas. Poor thing. Give it time, puppy will be ok mighty fine.

[tatsxxx11]

Poor girl! Hope she's feeling better now Keeping you and Lissa in my thoughts and prayers! Sandra

[Scooby4]

I forgot to mention Scooby's gas issues since the stroke. I believe part of his intensines were affected. They may be partially paralyzed on one side preventing really good digestion. He tends to "Bloat up" a bit at times. Everyone calls him "Fat boy" because of it.
However, he eats normal foods and beyond! He just tends to be a little more gassier. Especially, when I am trying to take a nap and he laying beside me! He can wake me out of a dead sleep.
The funniest thing happened one day because of it. He was playing in the living room when one "Slipped" loudly from his bottom. It Scared him!!! I fell on the floor laughing so hard as he tried to "chase" and investigate the sound that had come from behind him!
Of course I had to give him a hug and let him know it was alright! Scooby is hilarious sometimes and I couldn't imagine life without him!
By the way, try giving the dog some yogurt to help in digestion. It helps Scooby's bloating at times but he does release alot afterward!