Yesterday afternoon my old Goldie, Charlie aged 13 and a half, had to be rushed to the vets as he lost all balance and was staggering about like a drunk. They phoned me last night to say they think he has either suffered a stroke or has a brain tumour. I hardly slept last night and feel really emotional this morning. They have started him on a high dose of steroids and will keep him in for observation. I'll keep you posted with developments.

Sorry to hear about Charlie.  If it is a stroke they often recover very quickly. My elderly dog had one big one and a few small ones later, but an injection from the vet brought her round very quickly.

Fingers crossed that is what it is.

It could be an attack of vestibular syndrome - were his eyes flickering?  Very common in old dogs, and most recover well in a few days, although they may have other attacks later. Fingers crossed that's all it is.

Hi Jeangenie
No his eyes weren't flickering. The vet has just phoned me and said there has been no real improvement overnight and they will keep him in for observation. He is also on a drug called Vivitonin (spelling?) to increase blood flow. They have made an appointment for me, tomorrow morning, to discuss things and I may be able to bring him home for the weekend, but things don't sound hopeful. He could have an MRI scan but even if it is a tumour it would probably be untreatable and I wouldn't want to put him through brain surgery at his age.

I quite agree surgery (if it came to that) probably wouldn't be the kindest thing to do. Hopefully the vivitonin will help him - I'll keep my fingers crossed that there's improvement. It's such a worry, isn't it?

I can't stop crying, and nothing has really happened yet. He has been so fit and healthy up until now, I think it's just the shock that is making me mega-emotional.

The amount of upset we feel is a direct reflection of how much we care. Your old chap knows how much you love him. {{{{hug}}}}

Hi Pedlee, sorry to hear what you are going through. I've used Vivitonin in the past for an elderly Irish Setter that had a stroke at 13 too. She responded well to the medication, and had a very good quality 12 months afterwards. Best wishes for a good recovery.

Dawn R.

Hi Pedlee - so sorry to read this and know exactly how you feel :(  My golden oldie had similar symptoms and after a few days she was fine again although left with a slight head tilt.  Thankfully she lived for another 18 months and only had one other episode.

Praying that your boy turns the corner soon.  Your love for him is so evident in your posts and he'll know that.

God bless, Teri x

A friends BC had similar symptoms and is fine now. Another friends Beardie had the same several years ago and is still going strong with no more problems

Hope it's the same for your boy

So sorry to hear about your boy,Pedlee. If it is a braintumor, it should have responed overnight to the steroids given. This usually has a quick and positive effect initially. Though long term the prognosis is less poitive. So really, the fact that the improvement is taking longer, sounds positive to me, a stroke is less serious most of the times. One of my old girls had several minor ones, with no lasting effects, she died at an old age from something quite different.
Keeping everything crossed for you both,
Karen

My old Dobe (sadly now no longer with us) had a stroke at about 11 and went on to live until 14, so I hope it is a stroke. It is so horrible knowing he is at the vets and not at home, even though I've got 4 other dogs the place just seems empty somehow. Thanks for all your kind words, it means so much.

Fingers Crossed he will be alright.
Sending love and hugs your way.

Jonelle

Give it a bit of time, he will improve slowly from a stroke, I think its far more liekly to be that.
Dawn.

Well he's home! I'm feeling a bit more positive now. He is doing Charlie type things, bringing me a cushion, barking for his dinner etc. He has got a slight head tilt and is very unco-ordinated but seems happy in himself and all bodily functions are working well, so fingers crossed...

Been reading about Charlie and said a little prayer..........great news that he's home! I'm sure that he will continue to improve now that he's in his own environment. Get well very soon Charlie. xx

So happy to hear Charlie is home.  Someone I know, her Golden had a stroke and lived with a tilt to the head for a couple of years , so keep your chin up , Charlie doesn't know (or worry) about his tilt. Hope he continue to improve.

Thats good new, I hope he continues to do well.

Fabulous news - delighted for you both!
Give him a gentle hug from me.  regards, Teri :)

Ditto

So glad things are looking up :)

Great News.

Jonelle

Great news! :-) So happy for you. I'm sure he feels no different,the slight tilt might eventually go away. And if not, it will not bother Charlie :-p
Give him a hug from me,
Karen