Dog had a stroke.... but confused by vets advise!

[Pinkypie]

You might not remember but I asked for some advice about my aging dog a few months ago. The last 2 days my dog had gotten worse, he was very sleepy and had been sick. But today he was acting strange so we took him to the vets who told us that he had had a stroke.

I am very confused as she sent him home with us and told us that he could have another and if he did then it would be obvious that his life was coming to an end.

What I'm confused about is that he clearly wasn't very well and even to the point that walking is difficult but she overlooked it and said that it was to be expected at his age.

I just feel that we have been fobbed off a little. I realise that there isn't much can be done as he is old (16-17 years). But she was very dismissive.

I don't really know what to expect now, is this normal to have been send home with an ill dog with anti-inflammatory tablets. It is very difficult to watch him struggle, he can’t get up or lay down without our help and I have two children who are also upset by it??

I'm not sure what I’m asking really, just upset I guess!

[Gavmacp]

Completely not my field but would of thought the most humane thing to do would be to put him to sleep!

[Pinkypie]

Gavmacp to be honest, I expected this and had prepared myself. But I am just so confused by how ill my dog is and to be send home to deal with him. I'm no expert and have no idea how much he is suffering. I realise a vet knows better, but this seems so cruel!

[Tilly2]

Is there another vet in the practice? Even if there is'nt, take him back and ask for him to be put out of his misery. It a horrible thing to have to do but you know it needs to be done. I speak from experience.

[ladybirder]

I am so sorry, what a horrible position for you to be in. I fear that it might be his time is up, poor boy. Phone the vet, there will be an emergency vet on duty. And tell him/her what you have told us. Hopefully they will see how upset you are and give you some advice.

[Pinkypie]

I reallt did feel he would be put to sleep, I just was shoked when she sent him home and I didn't think I was right in saying. No put him to sleep. I thouht that maybe I was wrong in how ill he was, but it's rediculous! Poor thing!

[ruthann58]

would your vet come out to you in the morning and put him to sleep at home far better for you and him , you seem as if you are ready to let him go and know that the time has come xxxx

[Euphemia]

I think Ruthann's suggestion would be the kindest option.

[masma]

If you're not happy with the vet you saw then do as Tilly says and go to another - in saying that.. Jetspoon was taken very ill during the night and we called the vet out, she was very good and stayed until 3am, she'd been given a couple of injections (she'd had a stroke) we were told to see how Jet was the following morning and to ring the vets at 11am. Jet was walking a bit better though not well but her eyes were flickering side to side very fast. I rang the vet who said that was the point of no return but it was up to us to say what we wanted to do, we had a family discussion, the vet came to our house and put our best girl to sleep. Good luck with wharever you decide but I would say don't leave it too long. My love to you all xxxxx

[Hopkirk]

Many owners would be quite antagonistic to the suggestion from the vet to put him down there an then.

Probably from experience the vet felt it better for you to take the dog away, and come to your own realisation of what the best thing is to do.

[NOX]

I lost my old dog earlier this year but before you do anything drastic please read and view videos about Vestibular Syndrome- even vets frequently confuse it with strokes in dogs, it causes inability to walk and stand, weakness, sickness, incontinence, walking in circles, going off their food and almost perfectly mimics a stroke in a serious bout. not saying your dog hasn't had a stroke just that they may not have had, either way your Vet has treated accordingly, the treatment is the same for both so they've done the right thing, but do please look at vestibular syndrome as well.

[rsvp]

pinkiepie my old dog had a very severe stroke when she was just over 16. She walked in a circle for a few weeks, appeared confused but quite calm for a while and then recovered - (she was also blind) - she lived a very happy and full life for a further two and a half years. However, she was on various medication which I adjusted according to how I felt she was - Metacam for arthritis and vivitonin (can't quite remember exactly what that was for but one of the things it did was to give her a feeling of 'well being' - I knew my dog well and she had a very peaceful and happy two years after her stroke. My advice is to research strokes in dogs - they are not the same as in humans, and certainly get a second opinion.

[islasmum]

I think that I would want to discuss your dog's well-being with another vet, and tell them exactly what you have told us. You know your dog best of all and you can see how he is every day rather than one vet who sees him for a consultation for quarter of an hour. If you've been feeling that he is getting on, and finding life more and more difficult then gives him a good quality of life then it is time to end it peacefully.I've been incredibly lucky in my vet's practice in that they were all very kind recently (I lost my 2 labradors within three weeks of each other) but I made the decision and they backed me up. I really feel for you, it's a horrid position to be in and it must be a nightmare to have to explain about this to your children - that's one thing I don't have to do. Please let us know the outcome and we send you lots of sympathy.

[boxtops]

You can always ask for a second opinion, pinky, from another vet.

[Pinkypie]

Thank you all for your advice, I think a good night’s sleep with no interruptions will do him good. We’ve tried keeping the house quiet for him today and keep him in once place as he has taken to following me about (not normal for him at all).

I’m hoping the tablets he’s been given (which are not anti-inflammatory as I thought but ones to think the blood) will help him recoup enough. But I’m still not happy with the vets manner ...

[Pinkypie]

I certainly will Google strokes in dogs though, it seems sensible as I am comparing with humans and maybe that's why I feel so confused!

[islasmum]

I don't think that the vet you saw sounds very pleasant, and I'd definitely have a chat with someone else when you can. Hope you have a peaceful night.

[echokilo]

Second opinion is called for - however, your vet possibly thought it might be nice for you to take your dog home if it might only be a very short whle before nature takes it's course ... and if he isn't actually in pain but just generally struglling from age (16/17 is a massive age of or a dog) .... perhaps your vet though this was a good plan. It should be your decision to let him go - and if need be you need to be strong to make that decision - but if he is comfy and can be cossetted at home - maybe he will slip away quietly with you beside him and that's surely all we ever want in an ideal world. Not sure it's negligence from your vet - perhaps she just didn't explain to life expectancy/reason for this protocol to you very well? Sometimes vets are not good at dealing with humans!

[Pinkypie]

I agree echokilo, I think she's done what she felt was right, but I think her manner was a little abrupt and she seemed a little cold. She even put her hand over his mouth because he was panting so much she couldn't hear his heartbeat. It might have been necessary but my goodness, she could have explained it. It looked awful and he almost pit his own tongue!

[rsvp]

Pinkiepie - you are just showing what a caring owner you are - lots of things a vet does appear harsh but they do it for a reason - not many people go through the very rigorous, expensive and long training to qualify unless they love animals - maybe she just needs to work on her people's skills. Really hope your dog improves.x

[ladybirder]

Do let us know how he is in the morning pp please. X