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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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.
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I will be thinking about you both a lot in the next 24 hours, hoping and praying for spencer.
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I'm so sorry Spencer isn't doing well. You are in my thoughts and I hope Spencer tells you what you need to know. It's tough for both of you, and it is always difficult to decide whether to go on. Whatever you decide, be gentle with yourself and know that Spencer loves you and trusts you to do the best thing for him.
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I am sorry to read about Spencer not doing well.
Jennifer
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Can you get the vet to administer subQ fluids? keeping hydrated is important, more so than eating. (The sad things I learn on my K9 kidney list) Perhaps that would keep him going long enough so that he feels better. And subQ certainly won't hurt anything even if they don't help.
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I'm heartbroken to write this, but we're out of miracles. The sub-Qs haven't helped, and Spencer can't keep anything down. He had another seizure tonight. I don't think he'll make it till morning, but if he does, I'll have the vet come first thing and help him to a better place. If the pain pills aren't enough, I'll take him to the emergency hospital tonight. When I brought him home as a little puppy, this day seemed so far away. But not nearly far enough.
Thanks, everyone, for your support and thoughts. You understand, and that helps.
Pamela and Spencer
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I am so very, very sorry to read this. "that day" always seems so far away and of course you've done everything you can to keep it farther into the future. My heart breaks for you.
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I am so heartsick, I have no words to describe how sad I am for you to be losing spencer. My thoughts and prayers will be with you both, hoping you each find peace. Always here for you pamela
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I think Elton John had it wrong. "Goodbye" is the hardest word. And sorry isn't nearly adequate, but it's the best I can do. Many people here are feeling your pain today.
