[Hammy44]

Our 7 year old schnauzer has very suddenly become a different dog...over the last 2 weeks he's gotten increasingly detatched-seeming. He no longer plays or seems to have energy. He isn't as affectionate and his usual normal routines and behaviors have changed. He seems lethargic or depressed or tired, and he's lost a spark in his eyes. When you look at his face, you notice a dullness in his eyes. Instead of sitting on or with one of his people, he lies or sits in the middle of the room and either sleeps, or kind of stares off into the distance. 2-3 weeks ago he was normal, and now he is not the same dog.
We got blood work that came back fine. He has a slight heart murmur, for which we're going to get an ultrasound, but besides that his physical came back healthy.
Does this sound like he had a stroke? Does anybody have any experience with that, or advice as to what this sounds like?
Please help...it's heartbreaking to see him so unrecognizable.

 

[Pawzk9]

When my old girl Emma had a stroke it was mostly physical - her coordination was way off and she had difficulty controlling her rear end. What you describe sounds more like canine dementia to me. You might talk to your vet about anipryl (sp?) to see if that helps.

 

[Hammy44]

That is great information...thank you. His definitely does not seem physical...just mental. Thank you for the advice!