Dog Stroke- info needed

[PabloVTA]

Hey All-
my 13 yr old Lab mix isn't doing so well.
I came home from work today and found her lethargic and wet, like she wet herself. Being 13 I figured it's probably gunna happen once or twice, but she wouldn't even budge.

I think she suffered a stroke. Has anyone else gone through this before?

My neighbor is a K-9 cop so I went over and asked some questions, but nothing really has changed in her behavior for the past 4 hours.

Her Jaw is always shut and she's breathing really heavy. Her tounge when I could pry her mouth open was clammy and really light pink, almost white and she didn't want to release her clenched teeth for anything, not even a warm piece of pizza!

I got her up, and encouraged her out the door for a walk, but after about 45 feet she just plopped down in the grass, got her up quickly under her own power and she made it about another 50 feet and plopped down on her side. It's killin me seeing her like this.
So I picked her up and brought her inside.

I've felt all over her for a bite or sting or anything, and she never has made a sound. This morning she was fine, now this.

I've searched the net for some help, but nuthin really says anything to do that's definate. I'm not about to rush her to some pet clinic and hand over the platinum either.

I've seen a few threads here with lots of smart dog lovers, so I'm asking for any help you'd be willing to give.

Status now:
laying on her bed, can move all legs, belly not bloated, not hungry for anything, not thirsty either. Wiggles her eyebrows as usual, but not interested in moving. No visible injuries. Just raises her head every so often like she's bored and then lays over. When she did walk she was loping like she was drunk, or her legs were asleep.

Here she is two weeks ago getting detailed. Wish JP well, thanks for the concern and help.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Dude!

Take your poor dog to the vet hospital, ASAP!

Don't finish your beer, sign-off MUD, or call your girlfriend on the cell; your pooch might be dying!!

hope your dog recovers soon!

Alan
Seattle

 

[PabloVTA]

if that's what's happening, then I'd rather have her warm and happy then scared and somewhere strange.
From what I can find, they usually have a few strokes, or siezures after a large one.

I'm with her now, and my whiskey is almost gone.

Joe, thanks for the kindness at Pismo and your concern now.

 

[NorCalSam]

If this were your child, would you let her lay at home because you didn't want her to be in an unfamiliar place and you didn't want to "shell out the platinum". Come on, if you have resolved to let her die at home let it happen, don't ask for advise if you are not going to take it. Are you a veterinarian? Are the resources you are looking up from veterinarians? Have you made informed intelligent decisions? You are ultimately the only one that can make the decision for your dog, but she could be suffering. Animals are stoic. She could have had a stroke, she could have a bleeding splenic mass. How do you know unless you seek a professionals opinion. It is up to you to do right by her. She has been around for 13 years? .... don't let her down now. If you take her in and get bad news, you may be able to ease her pain. Sit down and think about it. Forget about the platinum and think about your friend. Go find out what is wrong. That is the right thing. Stop waisting time here, this is not a veterinary forum.
Teresa

 

[cruiserdan]

You do not want to hear this but it is prolly time for the needle...

 

[NorCalSam]

That may very well be true. sounds like she is in poor condition right now and her quality of life is diminishing. Why wait and let a pet suffer that has done right by you for 13 years. It is time to do right by the pet. Get a professional opinion. If she needs to be put down, then do so. You know, there are emergency clinics in just about every city I know even where I live. I'm sure you can find one if it is important to you
Teresa, Registered Veterinary Technician

 

[PabloVTA]

you may be right Teresa.
She just drank some water, and can still see and hear fine.
There is a bowel movement from today as well.
My K-9 cop next door had his 12 year old shepard just go through the same thing 2 months ago. It was him that said that going to a vet tonight would just be a huge bill and no resolution. I'm just looking for some ideas to make her passing less of a painfull ordeal, yet she's not showing any signs of pain, or suffering other than very lethargic.

I've also seen web posts from owners who have had animals for a year or longer post stroke.

I've never spoiled her and she's been terrific. Shelling our a thousand dollars tonight isn't going to happen.

There was no blood in the stool, and it was solid.

at best she had a mild stroke possibly.
Maybe tomorrow I will take her in for some blood work.
I just dont want to sign her off to the vet with the contigency of "save her at any cost" option because if they cant they will put her down if I dont choose that decision. She could come out of it maybe, I dont know.

What is a bleeding splenic mass? and if she were bleeding and I pressed her abdomen, wouldn't she wince or yelp of some sort? I'm getting no reactions that she is in any pain whatsoever.

 

[koop]

vet, do it now, don't see how the thread turns out.

 

[NorCalSam]

Signs you may see in that situation are a dog that is fine one day and the next day down, and usually has a pot bellied appearance. Typically their gums will be blanched out because all of their blood is being directed to the abdominal cavity. Some dogs can have this situation for a while where they will be slow and lethargic then rebound like nothing had ever happend then boom they are down and they need surgery. I am not promoting spending useless dollars or trying to "save the gay whales", just an expression. you are the only one that can judge her comfort level and what is going on with her. I just want you to think about her well being, which it seems you are trying to do. If she makes it through the night I hope you will have her seen in the morning. A blood panel and set of radiographs may tell you alot.
Good luck, and I hope you get some rest tonight,
Teresa

 

[PabloVTA]

Teresa, thanks for all of the advice. It's great getting this from someone who knows what they are talking about. The cop next door asked about her belly and gums also. And his dog had multiple siezures afterwards also. He said if it were to happen again, he'd put her down rather than hoping she went in her sleep.
That is my decision for tomorrow.

Thanks for the info on what to ask from the vet.

 

[brownbear]

yes Vet ASAP.

if the vet can figure out whats wrong. take the descision that feels best for your family.

She is an older dog. But may have some good years left. Discuss with vet.

 

[PabloCruise]

Get her to the emergency clinic - STAT (That's some foriegn language for "right now")

 

[Liam]

I went through the exact same thing with my german shep...I came home we was lathargic, didnt move, glazed eyes - so i took him to the vet and $1700 later they couldnt find anything, nutten, nada....

the dog recovered on his own - dogs are not like people, they tend to recover on their own more times than not (unless hit by a car)

Either way - i feel your pain

 

[PabloVTA]

Thanks Noah, I'm thinkiing that might happen.

JP made it throuogh the night, even got up under her own power, went 15 feet across the room and had a movement. It was solid. I checked on her every two hours last night. Same thing, just lazy, but her nose is starting to get crispy snot on it.

I just made a sling with a towel and held her up for a second and she started to walk across the room to her food bowl, and back to her bed/couch.
I guess she's going to be this way till I either put her down, or she might have to learn to walk again. Not too sure if that can even happen, being that she's 13.

I found this:

Canine Vestibular Disease

One day our 15 year old dog became disoriented, unbalanced and appeared to be confused. He was leaning toward one side, shaking his head, going around in circles, etc. We thought he may have had a stroke and took him to the emergency animal clinic. Instead of stroke it turned out he was suffering from Canine Vestibular Disease—also known as “old dog vestibular syndrome.”

Vestibular means a problem with the connections between inner/middle ear and brain causing ataxia. Dogs with ataxia stand with their limbs braced, they walk with difficulty and have a “drunk” type of motion because they have lost their sense of balance. When the vestibular nerve, which travels from the inner ear to the brain, malfunctions. It disrupts the animal’s sense of balance and orientation.

It is important to find out where the vestibular abnormality is located. The disturbance can be peripheral, meaning it is located outside the brain, or central, located inside the brain. The distinction between the two is subtle and is best diagnosed by a veterinary neurologist. The peripheral disturbance is the most common and least serious.

It has been suggested that there is a correlation between old dog vestibular syndrome and hypothyroidism so blood work should be done to rule out this problem.

The ears should be thoroughly examined because the same symptoms can result from a severe ear mite infection. Also certain types of antibiotics such as streptomycin and gentomicin can cause vestibular syndrome.

This syndrome is not a life threatening condition, nor should it even be called old dog vestibular syndrome because young dogs have also contracted it. However, in most cases old dogs are seen by veterinarians with this condition more often.

Time is a major factor in old dog vestibular syndrome. Recovery time depends on the afflicted dog. Eventually the animal teaches itself to compensate and overcome old dog vestibular. Rest and quiet are required during this recovery time, and it’s important to keep the dog in a well lighted room. If possible, avoid carrying the dog, or, if this is unavoidable, lift the dog slowly and smoothly and hold the pads of it’s feet while airborne. Lifting and moving it through the air disrupts the dog’s sense of orientation. Keeping the dog’s feet firmly on the ground with it’s eyes on the horizon helps regain it’s balance. This condition is sometimes misdiagnosed and dogs who could have recovered have been euthanized because the condition appears so severe. It is important to note that there are no warning signs, which may lead to the conclusion that it is a stroke. Fortunately most dogs will be spared this affliction. However, if your dog does contract this disease, it is comforting to know that it is not fatal and recovery is merely a matter of patience and tender loving care. Please note that a serious inner/middle ear infection—which can occur without the customary smelly ear—has the same severe and frightening symptoms. An infection can usually be cured with antibiotics and the dogs have a complete recovery. Drugs that might be used to treat old dog vestibular syndrome include Cholodin Tabs and Winstrol V. As always, check with your vet.

 

[PabloVTA]

UPDATE:
JP is fine now.
By Sunday night she was walking on her own again, and getting herself water.
By Monday she had eaten hard food and pants even after walking outside under her own power.

Flood her with TLC and kept her warm, no trips to the vet.

Thank you all for your posts.

For now the ol'grrl is doing great, and even came in to wake me up this morning just as usual. I just hope she doesn't get some wild idea to throw down the drama every time she's feeling a little neglected.

Thanks again.

 

[wob]

I'll be damned. Good for the both of you.

I thought it was needle time when I first read about it. Glad it wasn't.

 

[PabloCruise]

I would get her in for a follow up visit, make sure there isn't something lurking...

 

[PHBeerman]

Thanks Noah, I'm thinkiing that might happen.

JP made it throuogh the night, even got up under her own power, went 15 feet across the room and had a movement. It was solid. I checked on her every two hours last night. Same thing, just lazy, but her nose is starting to get crispy snot on it.

I just made a sling with a towel and held her up for a second and she started to walk across the room to her food bowl, and back to her bed/couch.
I guess she's going to be this way till I either put her down, or she might have to learn to walk again. Not too sure if that can even happen, being that she's 13.

I found this:

Canine Vestibular Disease

One day our 15 year old dog became disoriented, unbalanced and appeared to be confused. He was leaning toward one side, shaking his head, going around in circles, etc. We thought he may have had a stroke and took him to the emergency animal clinic. Instead of stroke it turned out he was suffering from Canine Vestibular Disease—also known as “old dog vestibular syndrome.”

Vestibular means a problem with the connections between inner/middle ear and brain causing ataxia. Dogs with ataxia stand with their limbs braced, they walk with difficulty and have a “drunk” type of motion because they have lost their sense of balance. When the vestibular nerve, which travels from the inner ear to the brain, malfunctions. It disrupts the animal’s sense of balance and orientation.

It is important to find out where the vestibular abnormality is located. The disturbance can be peripheral, meaning it is located outside the brain, or central, located inside the brain. The distinction between the two is subtle and is best diagnosed by a veterinary neurologist. The peripheral disturbance is the most common and least serious.

It has been suggested that there is a correlation between old dog vestibular syndrome and hypothyroidism so blood work should be done to rule out this problem.

The ears should be thoroughly examined because the same symptoms can result from a severe ear mite infection. Also certain types of antibiotics such as streptomycin and gentomicin can cause vestibular syndrome.

This syndrome is not a life threatening condition, nor should it even be called old dog vestibular syndrome because young dogs have also contracted it. However, in most cases old dogs are seen by veterinarians with this condition more often.

Time is a major factor in old dog vestibular syndrome. Recovery time depends on the afflicted dog. Eventually the animal teaches itself to compensate and overcome old dog vestibular. Rest and quiet are required during this recovery time, and it’s important to keep the dog in a well lighted room. If possible, avoid carrying the dog, or, if this is unavoidable, lift the dog slowly and smoothly and hold the pads of it’s feet while airborne. Lifting and moving it through the air disrupts the dog’s sense of orientation. Keeping the dog’s feet firmly on the ground with it’s eyes on the horizon helps regain it’s balance. This condition is sometimes misdiagnosed and dogs who could have recovered have been euthanized because the condition appears so severe. It is important to note that there are no warning signs, which may lead to the conclusion that it is a stroke. Fortunately most dogs will be spared this affliction. However, if your dog does contract this disease, it is comforting to know that it is not fatal and recovery is merely a matter of patience and tender loving care. Please note that a serious inner/middle ear infection—which can occur without the customary smelly ear—has the same severe and frightening symptoms. An infection can usually be cured with antibiotics and the dogs have a complete recovery. Drugs that might be used to treat old dog vestibular syndrome include Cholodin Tabs and Winstrol V. As always, check with your vet.

My 13 year old lab came down with this last year. I rushed her to the vet and luckily, my vet was able to diagnose the problem and the bill was only 30 bucks. My wife and I talk often about what we will do to prolong our dog's life at this point, as we want her to enjoy life and not be in pain all of the time. cold weather sucks for old dogs.