Yesterday marked 5 years since Elsa was very suddenly struck by a Spinal Stroke in our backyard. We were playing ball when she suddenly screamed and fell to the ground. Luckily I had my phone in my hand at the time and called my husband immediately; telling him I was going to the Vets.

I have written quite a bit about the subject in the passed 5 years so I’m going to post the links to my other blogs about Spinal strokes.

Two days after she was struck

Blog on the strange movement after a stroke

My podcast on Elsa’s Spinal stroke

So how is Elsa today? Five years later she is amazing; for a 13.5 year old Standard Poodle who had a stroke 5 years ago that is. Her body is most definitely showing it’s age; more than her age actually because of the stroke. But what is left of the stroke after 5 years, most would not see. Because I’m her Mom, I know how she would have aged without having a spinal stroke.

What I do have to add is that because Elsa was so strong, so fit and athletic; she has dealt with this like a champion. She has other medical issues but this blog is about her stroke and what that has meant for her last five years. At no point did we stop walking or exercising her. This has meant that she has retained much of her muscle mass that is so very important. She also gets LOTS of protein which is also an important part of retaining her muscle mass. Even her Vet was surprised at the lack of atrophy in her back legs.

Aside from her back legs, she has a problem with stiff ankles which is the biggest reason why she needs help down the stairs. She gets a sling around her middle each and every time she goes down the stairs. At this point she does not want to go down by herself and waits happily to be slung at the top.

After 5 years dealing with stroke; I am happy to have my girl. It could have been the end of her but it was not. She needs a lot of help now and we are here for her. There are still days that I get mad that this happened to her. But it happens, life happens and how you deal with it is what matters. She is amazing in my eyes.