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!

[Pinkypie]

Just an update:

My dog has had a comfortable night, he slept well, which was what I had hoped for. He's back sleeping now, so I'm going to leave him to it. He probably knows what's best for him.

So he is no worse, thank goodness, but a way to go yet before he's back to his old self, if it's possible.

Thank you all for your advice :0)

[ladybirder]

Oh good, pleased he's had a good night, that won't have hurt him at all. I would be doing the same as you. Good luck to both of you.

[furrypusscat]

Thanks for the update. I hope he improves with rest. Animals do know what is best for them and sleep will be good. Fingers crossed.

[rowanwitch]

I'd give him a few days....its not impossible that he will recover a lot from the stage he is now... but at such a great age the end will be pretty soon

A vet once told me when I took my elderly arthritic cat with a full expectation that he would recommend euthanasia you wouldn't want to put your granny to sleep just because she is old and a bit stiff and sore.... you need to understand if you are considering her distress or your own.... A week from now you will have better idea but when you go back see someone else or as suggested pay for a home visit

[Pinkypie]

***Just an update***

I haven't been able to come on here for a while, just been too sad, but unfortunately my dog passed away.

We took him back to the vets because he had sopped eating and couldn't keep down fluids.

The Vet told us that he had tumours in his pancreas and liver and that he had days to live, but he would suffer greatly due to not eating and pain....

We did what we had to do and stayed with him until the end.

He was a faithful and gentleman of a dog who guarded us as a family well, he is very much missed and we still feel he's with us in a small way.

Thank you all for your help, Pinky x