Possible Stroke....Opinions??

bluegrass · Post by **bluegrass** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 3:05 pm

I have a 7 year old female that is acting pretty wierd today...when she looks at me, she cocks her head to the side, her balance is off, she sways when she walks and cannot focus both eyes on me, only her left eye seems to be working. She is not weak, just no balance. Her energy level is fine, she does not seem to be in any pain. I have NEVER seen this in any hounds I have ever owned. Any thoughts??

Tony

Jane · Post by **Jane** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 3:12 pm

Maybe it's an ear infection or something throwing off the balance ? humans do.

bluegrass · Post by **bluegrass** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 7:32 pm

I wish it were that simple...I have researched a little, it has the smacking of Canine Distemper...she has been vaccinated against that too, but she is getting worse. She cannot walk without falling, her right eye shows inflammation and she is getting a little weaker. I am so afraid she is a goner....

Tony

Windkist · Post by **Windkist** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 7:47 pm

I'm skeptical of that diagnosis even though the symptoms match in some respects. Its unlikely a 7 year old dog would have such a full blown case of it. Most 7 year old dogs have been vaccinated many times for this disease. Will you be taking her to a vet?

Leah

Bunny Runner · Post by **Bunny Runner** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:09 pm

I have seen dogs with strokes and this very well could be what has happened. I deal with a dog every day that is 14 years old (german shepard) that had a stroke about 6 months ago. She is still kickin' although she has a permanent head tilt and staggers like she is losing her balance most of the time. Still eats, barks, drinks, and does all the things she did before, but it was scarey at first. For the first several days, we really thought she was going to have to be put down, but about a week later, she picked right back up and became her old self again (albeit, a little sideways).

When Nan first had her stroke, her eyes tracted wildly. She could not focus on anything, but she did try. They watered and her nose was a bit runny (with clear fluid) and she drueled. We had to wet our hands to get water in her, as she couldn't drink and if we tried to syringe water into her, it would just run right out. We fed her canned food smeared on her tongue in small amounts. I would say, she got a bit worse before she got better.

I would have to agree, I doubt that it is distemper, but here is a link from the Merck veterinary Manual for your reference.

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index ... /56700.htm

I would get her to the vet, just to be on the safe side.

Windkist · Post by **Windkist** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:59 pm

How about an Update on this dog??? Please!

Leah

kevin · Post by **kevin** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 7:58 am

I had a 8mth male 2 weeks ago act the same way.. Couldn't keep his balance at all. I noticed he had some ticks on him from running. A buddy told me he might have a tick down in his ear and to drop a couple drops of rubbing alcohol in his ear. I did and the next day he was 100% better. I even ran him that same day. Hope it helps.

bluegrass · Post by **bluegrass** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 11:10 am

My Bell is officially through with her hunting and even running days...she has had a stroke, and neurologically she will most likely never be the same. I wish it had been something as simple as a tick in the ear or an inner ear infection, but it isnt. I will keep her here comfortable and warm until the day she goes, but hunting this year absolutely will not be the same. I haven't been hunting a day without her in the last 5 years.

Tony

Skip · Post by **Skip** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 3:26 pm

Sorry to hear that Tony

Windkist · Post by **Windkist** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 5:00 pm

So sorry Tony!! Perhaps in the coming days she will gain some strength back. I'll be hoping that she will ;-)

Leah

Bunny Runner · Post by **Bunny Runner** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 7:46 pm

Tony,

I'm sorry to hear this, but a dog this age could very well recover enough to be able to resume alot of their normal activity. I have heard of a 4 year old Wimer that recovered FULLY. No lasting affects after the first couple of months. I think one thing that is to your Bell's advantage, is her age. If you work with her everyday, she may be able to come back near 100% (or close anyway). Give her lots of time and love, you may be pleasently surprised.

If not, at least she will be where she is loved and respected for the times she served you well.

Keep us posted on her recovery progress.

coolbrze · Post by **coolbrze** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 8:18 pm

Sorry to hear that. Keep her close by, she'll never be forgotten.