My lab had a stroke this morning and I need a little advice from anyone who has had any experience. He collapsed in the kitchen after we got back from his walk. He then started with muscle spasms, couldn't stand or walk and was very distressed. I got the emergency vet out who diagnosed a stroke. That all happened at 7:30 this morning. By 13:00 he was back on his feet and trying to persuade me to take him a walk! I took him a short toilet walk of about 200m. The vet gave me really vague guidance on walking, presumably because he wasn't expecting him to be back on his feet so quickly. I'm unsure whether I am walking him too soon. Any advice would be much appreciated.

sounds similar to my brothers last dalmatian and epilepsy fits he had

hope you get to the bottom it  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Our GSD has had a few now he's on Vetmedin and Cardalis we were doing short walks for ages but not now as I don't think he's up to it anymore.

My last Border Collie had a stroke at 11 years of age. Was paralysed for a while. Vet put her on 2 tablets a day, a large soft one and a smaller hard one, can't remember the names. When on her feet again started with a walk to the bottom of the drive and back for a week, then halfway up the road and back, then gradually further until we were back to normal other than she could only eat on one side of her mouth. She died one week short of her 19th birthday still on the tablets and living normally Silver 2009 HSE

Many thanks for your advice. I think we have been lucky as there is no evidence of paralysis. He is unsteady on his legs still but has his appetite back. Stuck to your advice and drove him to his favourite spot and gave him a quick 5 minute walk. I'll stick with that for the next few days. My lab is 11 years old-19 is a hell of an age even for a collie. Good to hear that this may not be the end for him though-I genuinely thought the vet was coming to end his life yesterday.

My old (15years) Black Lab recently had what I thought was a stroke. Was told strokes in dogs are not very common and not as bad as for us humans. My dog had what turned out to be vestibular disease (also known as old dogs disease), symptons were staggering around as if 'drunk', lack of balance , lost appetite and head held to one side. Fully recovered after a couple of days .
Do a Google on vestibular disease for more info. 11 GS Bali Blue
07 GS FL2. Usually muddy. Gone
Numerous LRs since 1963

My last springer had vestibular disease also,he went round in circles shaking his head it went away after a week from memory I don't think the vet gave him anything.

Apparently there's nothing they can do for it. It's the vestibular nerve which causes motion/sea sickness in humans.
(I'll now wait for some one with a PhD or Dr to say this is a load of rubbish) 11 GS Bali Blue
07 GS FL2. Usually muddy. Gone
Numerous LRs since 1963

Stick with your vets advice rather than well intentioned advice from forum members. If you have lost confidence in your vet go to another practice - you are paying his fees after all. MY 09 GS manual in Lago Grey, Wood Co arm rest and side bumper strips - now sold.

MY 15 SD4 SE Auto Orkney Grey with colour coded Bumper Door Mouldings

There has been no advice from forum members only sympathy and similar stories.

I don't want to get into a row with you SYFL2 but re read the first line of the op's post. MY 09 GS manual in Lago Grey, Wood Co arm rest and side bumper strips - now sold.

MY 15 SD4 SE Auto Orkney Grey with colour coded Bumper Door Mouldings

Yes he asked but none was offered.

But he might have been and in fact went on in a later post to thank members for their advice. Truly hope that his lab recovers - we lost our 17 year old Jack last year and it leaves a very large hole in our lives. MY 09 GS manual in Lago Grey, Wood Co arm rest and side bumper strips - now sold.

MY 15 SD4 SE Auto Orkney Grey with colour coded Bumper Door Mouldings

Sorry for the incorrect choice of words-I should of said thank you for sharing your experience which was the intention of the post. All dogs are different and medicine (either human or animal) is an inexact science based on observation and hypotheses. I personally do not think vets have all the answers and are always correct. Both owners and vets can offer advice by sharing their own experiences.

The vet who saw my dog suggested helping him around the garden using a towel to hold his back end up as it would take time for him to regain the use of his back legs. The reality was that within 4 hours he was trotting around the house under his own steam. Despite this, I have erred on the side of caution and taken the approach shared by another owner-short walks under close supervision which, if he continues to recover, will then gradually increase over the next two weeks.

I hope it all goes well for you