After losing Tweenie Pony Friday night, Jasper has now had a stroke.

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Patches

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What a weekend we had.

We lost our beloved pony Friday night and were all still devastated enough by that when the dog had a stroke Sunday morning.

He was 14 on Friday. The vet has given him two massive doses of steroids and prescribed Vivitoninin (sp) to open up the blood supply to the brain. He said he should rally in 72 hours.

However, he's still listing severely to the left, significant head tilt and would much rather sleep than anything else.

He can walk, albeit he looks very drunk, and he does go to the toilet outside, drink and eat.

I don't want to lose him, but unless he picks up I think it would be unfair to carry on leaving him like this.

Anyone any experience of strokes and the time frame for which the dog should start to improve on medication?
 
(((((HUGS)))))

So sorry to hear this latest bad news. Unfortunately I have no help or advice to offer you, just my sympathy.
 
I cannot believe this has happened to you now. Friends GSD had a stroke whilst he was on holiday and I was looking afte her. Vet said as yours to give her a few days before making a decision. She did improve a lot, although the head tilt remained, but she lived for another 12 months with a good quality of life. Fingers crossed Jasper makes a similar recovery.
 
What a terrible run of events for you Patches - I'm so sorry!

Do give him a little time; some dogs, like people, do have permanent problems after a stroke but many go on to live perfectly happily for some time and there is no way of knowing which at this early stage. I'll cross fingers for you!

<<<<hugs>>>> xxxxx
 
Sorry to hear this, what a nightmare.

Our friend's GSD bitch Tanya had a series of strokes a few weeks ago, she couldn't close her mouth afterwards and she just wasn't adapting well to hand/syringe feeding and her weight plummeted so they decided to PTS.

However hers sounded a lot more severe than Jaspers and were multiple over a few days, fingers crossed he will improve xxx
 
Oh I am so sorry - you are having such a tough time at the moment.
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My 14 year old Retriever had a stroke, it took her about two weeks to get back to her "normal" old lady self, but she was fine for about another year before she lost the use of her hind legs, and we had to have her pts.

I hope Jasper will make a good recovery, my thoughts are with you at such a worrying time.xx
 
Hugs and sympathy for you. I can only assure you that life does get better eventually--there is always a light at the end of that tunnel.
Sending good vibes for Jasper and yourselves.
 
I recently had an old dog do similar, hers was more gradual but similar sounding treatment and regained majority of balance etc. within a few days I think.
She now only has a slight droopy eyelid, barely noticeable although she is very senile too.
 
Our old dog Rosie had stroke on more than one occassion.. it depends on the severity... the first time she basically was very confused... spent some time walking in circles and lost her bladder control for a bit.... after a week of meds tho she was pretty much back to her usual self and for the next year was fine.. she had another one then pretty much the same as before and then a few months after that basically went down hill very fast and was in crippling pain - we then had her put to sleep as all drugs made no difference. It was heart breaking to see her so tense and crooked in pain. Re the stroke tho vet said if they increased in frequency we may have had to consider putting her to sleep. Both times though she went back to an old but fairly bouncy dog. I don't know if that helps
 
I'm so sorry, I replied to your post about what to say to children. He's a springer isn't he? We had a similar thing happen on the day before Christmas Eve 2 years ago, we decided it was time to let Daisy (our Springer) go, she just sort of laid in one place - she was 15. Not much help sorry
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Jasper seemed a bit better yesterday afternoon. He was practically "trotting" when he was outside, albeit it in a drunken fashion. The twitching of his eyes had stopped.

This morning he seems to have taken a few steps backwards. Wants to stay lying down, but can walk if you force him to. He is eating and drinking, but not seen him poop...although he is weeing, no longer cocking his leg.

Spoke to vet who told me to wait until Friday, give him a chance to rally.

However, he's just had a crying episode, I've not heard him make a sound since Sunday, and his neck was contorting in his basket at weird angles. His eye twitch is back with a vengence and he seems really sad now.

I think it's possible he another stroke overnight and perhaps one more just.

I think it's time to let him go, but the vet insists I should give him till Friday to pick up. He's 14, had a really fit and active life and it pains me to see him in such a pitiful state.

As much as I don't want to lose him, he doesn't seem to have any life right now......although his tail still wags gently when you stroke him.
 
That is heartbreaking for you. I don't really know what to say. Does your vet know him well? You know Jasper and it's your decision to make. Maybe just giving him a couple more days is not something you are prepared to do. Oh what a horrible postion to be in. Hugs to you and Jasper.
 
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That is heartbreaking for you. I don't really know what to say. Does your vet know him well? You know Jasper and it's your decision to make. Maybe just giving him a couple more days is not something you are prepared to do. Oh what a horrible postion to be in. Hugs to you and Jasper.

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I've put him in our bedroom, lights off and door closed. The vet I just spoke to said to keep him in a darkened room for an hour or so to see if he came around out of it.

No brain stimulation is required at present.

He appears unable to stand and is shivering and whimpering. My heart doesn't want to let him go obviously, but my head looks at a dog who is desperately unhappy. Three strokes since Sunday isn't a good sign, surely?

He is aged, but was as fit as a five year old at 7.30am Sunday morning, by 10am he had clearly had a major episode.

I would give him weeks if I thought his chance of coming around from this was good....but unable to stand at all and whimpering is a pitiful state to leave your dog in.
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Loads of hugs for you, you will know when the time is right, and if now is that time, then you know he has had a wonderful life with you.

We made a decision about our old girl at the exact same age, hope you get through this OK xxx
 
He's sleeping quietly and I've just spoken to the vet again. He's told me to leave him in a dark room overnight, disturb him only to offer water, but to leave him until morning to see if quietness will help settle what's happened.

I have to roll with it I guess, but will be calling at 9am to update them.
 
Sorry to hear this, from your posts about him he sounded like a real character and a very 'young' dog despite his years, loads of hugs for you and your family, you have given him a fantastic life and allowed him a dignified end, run free Jasper xxxx
 
I dont usually come in here but saw your post.
Deepest sympathy to you and your children what a terrible time you have all had.
 
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