Recovery After Stroke

[xxmandymooxx]

Hello, I am new to the site... On Thursday afternoon, my usually very healthy 12 year old Labrador suffered what the vet believed to be some sort of focal seizure. The episode lasted for about 2 minutes, but she made a full recovery afterward and was acting like her usual self. We brought her home with the advice to continue to monitor her for signs of further incidents. She was absolutely fine throughout the rest of the day. By Friday morning however, she was unable to stand, her legs were weak and we noticed rapid eye movements. We returned the vet and were told that she had had a "brain aneurysm" , and was suffering from a bleed somewhere in her brain. By the time she was seen by the vet she had developed a slight head tilt, but was able to walk (more like shuffe) when encouraged. Our vet prescribed Prednisone 50 mg twice a day for 5 days, followed by 50mg/day for another 5. We were encouraged to bring her home and monitor her over the weekend for signs of improvement, though we understand that it may take weeks and even then she may not me 100%.
As of now, she appears more orientated. The head tilt is not as significant and the rapid eye movements have almost completely disappeared. As a nurse, I know that a risk factor while on Prednisone is dehydration so I have been encouraging fluid intake, but have been having to use a small syringe to ensure she is receiving adequate amounts of water. Last night, she let me know that she needed to go to the bathroom, and while I have to carry her outside she was able to shuffle over to urinate on the lawn. She slept well throughout the night (I did not however) but when I woke up I noticed that she had urinated in her sleep. I encouraged her to get up but she is stubborn and ignoring me. I am able to get her to stand for short periods of time, and even shuffle a couple of steps before she grows tired and sits down before eventually laying down for a rest.
I am concerned about muscle atrophy, and was hoping that anyone who has gone through a similar situation as mine would be able to offer some helpful advice about how best to provide care for her. I.e. should I be forcing her to stand/attempt to walk and if so how often. Should I be doing some form of physio with her etc.? Any advice for care after a "stroke" is very much appreciated!!!

[Misfits4Me]

Your Welcome...Might look into something like OTC Dramamine (Motion Sickness Medication) or ask your Vet if it might help.....Good luck, Please keep us updated....Karla

[xxmandymooxx]

Well it would certainly make sense with what we have been seeing... thank you for bringing this disorder to my attention. It definitely brings us hope that she has a chance of a good recovery.
I have drops provided by my vet and will resume using them immediately and treating the ear. Hopefully it will help and we will begin seeing improvement by Monday, when we are to contact the vet with an update of her condition.
Thanks again :)

[Misfits4Me]

Mandy, DIZZINESS is the main concern of Vestibular Disease....I used Nausea, but it causes nausea even though your not seeing it....

Chronic Ear problems are almost always Food related.....High grain diets are normally to blame..The product of choice (Mine) for Bacteria and Yeast in ears is called "Zymox"...They make a few products for ears...The drops WITH Cortizone are my favorites....You can purchase them many places online...No, you don't need a prescription....It's the only product my Holistic Vet will use in ears......He sells them.....

Amazon sells them...If nothing else, go to amazon and read the reviews.....You can use them daily or as needed FOREVER if need be.....Karla

[xxmandymooxx]

Hi, thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my post. I will be doing some research into Vestibular disease... my Lab as suffered from a Chronic ear infection for years and has recently had another flare up that I was treating with the usual routine cleaning and drops. I have been avoiding putting her drops in as she often shakes her head whenever I do, and as I thought I was facing a neurological issue (brain bleed) I have been hesitant to do so. However I am wondering if I shouldn't continue to treat her ear as I am wondering if her symptoms are not all being caused by this Vestibular disease. It also seems funny that her head tilt is going towards the affected ear. I have been continuing to give her water and have gotten her to eat a little this morning. She has yet to go to the bathroom since her episode of incontinence earlier this am however.
She has shown no signs of nausea, and has not been vomiting. Thank you again for all your suggestions!

[Misfits4Me]

Welcome...This doesn't sound like a true stroke to me.....It's a CLASSIC example of "Vestibular Disease"....Also, called "Old Dog Disease"....You can google it.....Normally, symptoms are treated with mainly "Nausea Medications" while it runs it's relatively short course....Usually takes two weeks.....SEVERE nausea is the main problem...Alot like Vertigo in humans.....Everything is spinning, don't know up or down which causes the nausea.....I'm unsure about the Pred., other than your Vet is thinking a Brain or ear lesion.....

Get some pee-pee pads for her to lay on......It will keep the urine from burning her skin.....I would definately get something from your Vet for Nausea.....It should make a world of difference...ALso, get some Pedilyte popsicles.....Chop them up in a bowl.....She may enjoy licking them & it will keep her hydrated.....I also would try to feed Ginger Snap Cookies....Will help settle her tummy....Karla