Spitfire is not doing well

SheepOfBlue · 2026-06-12T09:40:17-0400

So occasionally he will be limping or other because even at 15 he is up for causing trouble. Well last night he was having troubles and I figured he might have been too close to a spinning Ian. But sadly I think it is more. He is stumbling a little on his back left leg. He also is obsessively turning clockwise. Lastly he is getting confused and stuck in simple places. Does this sound like he had a stroke? Really worried about my buddy as this is abnormal even for him.

SheepOfBlue · 2026-06-12T09:53:42-0400

I am hoping his circling is a bum leg that is hurting so when he weights it he turns. He is on 100% observation now.

Piper's mom · 2026-06-12T10:41:57-0400

Poor guy…hopefully it’s just confusion, maybe a bit of doggy dementia? Is there a medication the vet could put him on? If it was a stroke would they possibly put him on steroids to reduce inflammation? Might be a good idea to get him checked out.
I will say a prayer for him today Sheep and my thoughts are with you!

Calliesmom · 2026-06-12T10:43:31-0400

SheepOfBlue said:
I am hoping his circling is a bum leg that is hurting so when he weights it he turns. He is on 100% observation now.

Dixie did some circling that I took video and showed to the vet last year. she suspected a seizure and started her on some meds. we also found her lump around that time :rolleyes2:

SheepOfBlue · 2026-06-12T10:54:34-0400

The good news is he came over and I rubbed his back legs. The right had a tight muscle as I think it was supporting more weight. When he walked away he was not limping but it came back. Right now he is passed out in front of his fan (actually against it). Bummer is he is on his left side so I cannot ice his left leg and am not going to roust him to do it. Even worse is I was scheduled to go on a trip the end of the month. If he is not back to normal I will cancel. There is a chance the minIan took him out with a spin yesterday as they were outside when this started. But I worry about him. I will give him a couple of days and if he is not back to normal cancel the trip.

Thanks for feedback.

SheepOfBlue · 2026-06-12T11:12:21-0400

The patient

Sharon7 · 2026-06-12T12:21:29-0400

It does sound like more than just a bum leg, with the circling and confusion. This happened to our Asta and it was indeed a stroke. I'm sorry to hear it and the complication (of course!) of your trip. Dogs do get dementia but not just suddenly. I hope he's going to be able to regroup. :fl

Ann · 2026-06-12T12:29:25-0400

I'm really sorry to hear this, poor Spitfire. At 15, my guess would be doggie dementia. The circling is what mine have done. You may also notice him getting stuck in places, against a wall or in a corner. The confusion can also be part of it too. Does he sleep peacefully at night, or is he restless and circling a lot before he lays down?

Both Lacey and Checkers had it by the time they were 15. I gave Checkers a drug called Selegeline that helps treat dementia, you need a vet visit and prescription for it but it did help her. Some vets prescribe Trazadone but I didn't like what it did to Lacey so I stuck to herbal remedies for her.

Give Spitfire a pat for us. This can be a tough age for these guys and harder for us to watch.

SheepOfBlue · 2026-06-12T12:45:16-0400

Sharon7 said:
It does sound like more than just a bum leg, with the circling and confusion. This happened to our Asta and it was indeed a stroke. I'm sorry to hear it and the complication (of course!) of your trip. Dogs do get dementia but not just suddenly. I hope he's going to be able to regroup.

I admit I worry a LOT about him as I can see him slowing and he is 15. Hopefully this is just me freaking out. Is suspect I will know by tomorrow if it was just a crash.

SheepOfBlue · 2026-06-12T12:47:35-0400

Ann said:
I'm really sorry to hear this, poor Spitfire. At 15, my guess would be doggie dementia. The circling is what mine have done. You may also notice him getting stuck in places, against a wall or in a corner. The confusion can also be part of it too. Does he sleep peacefully at night, or is he restless and circling a lot before he lays down?

Both Lacey and Checkers had it by the time they were 15. I gave Checkers a drug called Selegeline that helps treat dementia, you need a vet visit and prescription for it but it did help her. Some vets prescribe Trazadone but I didn't like what it did to Lacey so I stuck to herbal remedies for her.

Give Spitfire a pat for us. This can be a tough age for these guys and harder for us to watch.

This is sudden which is why I feared a stroke. He settled in last night and move location once that I saw (about normal) He did settle a little quicker today so far. Yes I am paranoid as he is not getting younger.