Glad your poor boy is getting back to normal, what a rough time he has had and you too. Wishing you all the best.
Jolanda and Kaiser
Spencer Had a Stroke– a Bad One
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Poor Spencer. This might be an unbelievably simplistic suggestion, but could you get him a nice bed? Butu was such a fidget, but since I bought him an 'indestructible' bed (yeah, right, I thought) and a 'nest' type for travelling, he has been a different dog. I won't mention the company name in case someone thinks I'm advertising them, (I have no connection with the company, I'm just amazed at how quietly and happily he lies…) Unfortunately (I just checked) they don't ship outside the UK, but maybe something similar from a US company (and I'm sure our US contingent can help....) I just thought if he would lie still, he might recover faster...I really hope he gets better, and sorry if this was a dumb suggestion...
Not a dumb suggestion at all– and thank you! Spencer has three geriatric beds in different parts of the house, but none are working right now. A lot of times, I'll put him on the human bed (where he sleeps at night), and open the curtains, and he'll nap in the sun. But not now. He's not lying down anywhere-- he's determined to be on his feet, lurching. But I'd be interested in knowing what kind of bed helped Butu, and I'll check into it here. Sometimes, the simplest things do work best.
I feel bad for him and wonder if he's getting ready to have another seizure. He's so restless, though I suppose I would be, too, if I had been through that and couldn't walk normally. He's eating a little, though, so there's improvement. Baby steps. (Literally.)
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Sometimes it's hard to know what our old guys want. My beloved Digital thebrindlewonderkid (16 in Dec) tends to be a bit restless and has to pace a bit before he will settle down. He's also very "schedule" oriented, so if someone is sitting in "his" chair when it is time for him to sit in that chair, he gets agitated and will pace. And no, another chair (exact same kind, just different place) or sofa will NOT do. (And then he'll pee in the house, but that's another story)
Can you put a support (towel/fabic) under his belly and help him walk around a bit? That may make him feel better. A bit of exercise may help tire him out a little. Do dogs get restless leg syndrome?
Have you tried a holistic vet? Mine has been so helpful.
I'm really hoping for the best for Spence.
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Oh! there is a postictal state (after a siezure) and i have heard of dogs being very active during this stage.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postictal_state
maybe it's just that?
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Perhaps ( and I know you may feel hesitant bc of the danger) what he needs is to walk around and get his muscle memory back. Maybe walking is how he will jump start his body again. And I've heard loud noises and lights can agitate seizures so keep that mind too
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Do you have a good harness for him? Keep it on and use it as a handle to help hold him up to steady him, and use the towel around his belly to help support his rear end to help him walk. You may need to help him/let him walk till he is tired! Prednisone sometimes makes dogs and people restless, so on top of his probably rather frantic need to stand and walk, even a great bed may not help too much.
You and Spencer surely have been through a lot together, you are a stellar "dog-mom" and I applaud all you have done for Spencer.
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Thanks, everyone, for the support! Yes, I have a harness and have been walking him around. I used the "towel walk" yesterday, and we're using the harness today. I'm only doing it for a little bit at a time, so I don't tire him out. Maybe I'll up that a bit. I have to be careful, though, because I need to keep his food down him, and if he gets too stimulated, up it comes. Everything's such a tightrope with him!
I have found a holistic vet and will give her a call. I know he's nearing the end– but I've thought that since last year, and here he is, saying "not so fast!" So who knows with these tough, tenacious little guys? They love life.
Everybody hug your Bs today!
Pamela and Spencer
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My girl (after her seizure and while on and off prednisone) used to be quite restless, especially before bed. I would sit on the steps and watch her wander around the kitchen…....she and her adopted daughter were sharing a custom made bed there, one low enough that she could easily get in and out (I felt our people bed was too high to be safe)......and Lady would circle and circle, and finally get into the bed and settle down, to the relief of both myself and Tamu, who would then settle in with her, after which I would cover them with a blanket. (which was often still in place the next morning!) I don't think it is unusual for dogs to be restless when they feel there is something wrong with them. I believe they are uneasy when their feet aren't working right, perhaps some instinct that tells them this is not a safe condition.
I'll be thinking about you. I know this is a very difficult time.
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Pamela, I've definitely been giving Oakley extra hugs and kisses, events like Spencer's makes you appreciate them more..
I too think a holistic vet would be helpful making him more comfortable overall. Thoughts are still with you -
I'm pleased you've found a holistic vet - mine is excellent with the oldies and their problems. Sometimes it is better not to subject them to conventional medicines at this stage of their lives. Hugs to you and healing Wooowoos to Spencer from my pack.
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From today's Daily Mail talking about humans, but might be worth discussing with your vet. Up to 30% of humans suffer muscle stiffness, known as post-stroke spasticity. Not understood why. Can be treated with Botox(!) but only lasts for 3-6 months. Now being treated with a combination of Botox and regular, targeted physiotherapy. This is a link to the article, but I'm not sure if non-UK readers will be able to see it…
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2208076/Botox-jab-Mel-hardly-use-hand-stroke-just-15-Botox-jabs-unlocking-muscles.html -
I hope the holistic vet can help. My elderly girl had seizures that were about a month apart. She would usually get up immediately and want to walk around. She had a seizure once while eating and I caught her before she fell over and laid her down and then after the seizure she immediately got up and finished eating.
Jennifer
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Thanks, everyone, for your concern and suggestions! It helps. It's been another rollercoaster day. Ever since the big stroke/seizure Saturday night, Spencer has been getting me up every two hours all night long to go out to the bathroom. Last night/this morning at 2 AM, he woke me up, I carried him out and set him down to take care of business, and he trotted off to another spot! So I let him walk around, and while he was a bit unsteady, he was getting around on his own. So no walking at midnight; then walking at 2 AM and thereafter.
Around 9 AM, he had another episode. He was on his bed and had been a bit restless. Then suddenly, he couldn't stand– his legs were all askew. I put him on his side and he started having spasms. He was weak afterward, but an hour later, he was walking. I tried a new appetite stimulant from GNC, and he has been eating well today. He's tired now, but alert and pacing. I just take it day by day. I have no idea what tomorrow will hold or whether it will be good or bad. I was afraid he had a brain tumor, but the vets think he's just old and wearing out. I'll be glad to see the holistic vet on Friday!
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Pamela, I really do hope I can be like you when Oakley reaches his golden years. You really inspire me.
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Chealsie, that's so lovely of you to say– thank you! I got Spencer after a breakup, and he was my "new start" dog. I took him everywhere, and he became like a child to me. Like most Bs, he has always been so smart and funny and such a good communicator. We've been a strong pack, and he's the most companionable dog I've ever known. I'm sure you and Oakley will be the same. Bs love their people. They wiggle their way into your heart and there they stay. Oakley is getting into his best years. I know they'll be wonderful ones for you both.
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My story is exactly the same a yours, Oakley was the dog i was supposed to get with my ex, when he walked out I went ahead and got Oakley and put everything into him, he is what I live for, after all he helped me heal the most painful time in my life. I owe it to him, as I'm sure you feel for spencer. Keep up updated
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I won't mention the company name in case someone thinks I'm advertising them, (I have no connection with the company, ..
Ya know, phooey with anyone who thinks that. I for sure want to know what you have because if it helps a dog, then by jove I might want one! Sometimes Arwen gets up at night and lies on the floor. Having a little bed in here might be great for those times or when Cara is being insanely wild and she just wants to nap.
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You post hurts my heart, it is so hard when they are not okay. ((hugs)) for you and Spencer. Sending the best of hopes he improves and gratitude that he has you in his life. Sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed with the lack of care of pet owners, then I come to the forum and remember that there are those like you. Please let us know how he does. While I have never had a dog having seizures, I have dealt with aging dogs with other neurological issues. It is just hard because there is only so much that can be done.
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Debra,
Okay, will do! I've started a thread called Butu's Bed in General, so this thread can be kept for Spencer, who we are all thinking about… -
You are all so wonderful to keep us in your thoughts. It helps, truly.
Spencer is not doing well. He has stopped eating and threw up his water this afternoon. He won't take any more. I'm going to syringe feed him critical care food tonight and keep giving him small doses of Nutri-Cal and Pedialyte. We have tried so many things and have had so many miracles over the years. But he's lost so much weight, and his face has changed. He's starting to get "that look." I just wish we could figure out what's wrong with him. It's more than being old– but we just don't know what it is.
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I am so sorry to hear spencers not getting better. I have heard that seizures can sometimes render stomachs or esophagus's immobile. Perhaps after his big seizure he's lost the ability to swallow or process food. I am so sorry you have to watch him go through this. Trust in your instincts, Know that sometimes the best thing to do is the hardest, don't let him lose his dignity, and remember that no matter what happens you are truly going to the ends of this earth to make him comfortable. If you believe he has another miracle in him then he deserves it.
