I have a seven year old staff and she had a stroke 2 months ago. The vet cannot tell me what would have caused it or if it will happen again. She has regained quite a lot of her strength and spritiness although, her left side is still not 100% and she occasionally falls over or loses her balance. Has this happened to anyone else staff, and what was the outcome. Did the dog fully recover or did it happen again?? Any advise would be much appreciated.

I have had 2 dogs, which have had strokes, or should I say, the dog equivalent of a stroke. Dogs do not have strokes in quite the same manner as we do, there is two different stroke like problems which affect dogs. One, which is of a very severe nature, completely paralysed my first Labrador and although we worked on her for sometime, walking her outside to do her business with a towel under her for support it was to no avail. The other stroke like ailment type is less severe and is an inner ear problem. This one affected my old Lucy and with the aid of medication and time was completely cured. Lucy lived for another 3 years after this and finally died as an old dog, from a totally unconnected illness. From what you are saying I would imagine that it is the latter in your case so I would say there is a very good chance of recovery. Please keep us posted on events.

Regards, John