My dog can't move the left side of his face....?

Question

Beagle, 8 years old. Left side of his face basically stopped responding. The drool is just pouring out, and he can't chew on that side. Just noticed it this evening. I gave him some soft food, and he ate it. He seems fine other than that. Could he have had a stroke? Hoping to get him to the vet tomorrow, but I just don't know if there is anything to be done in the meantime?

Answer 1

It sounds like he had a stroke.  Please get him to the vet.

Answer 2

Sounds like a stroke, time for the vet!  There really is not much you can do in the meantime except keep a close eye on him.  Especially with stairs since his depth perception can be off if his eyes were affected.

Answer 3

I would be going to the Emergency Vet.  

Answer 4

Oh God bless him !  I'm happy to hear that he seems fine otherwise ! It does sound like a stroke or even a trapped nerve ? I've heard that alot of dogs recover back to normal after a stroke like this too ! Good luck and God bless ! :-)  Vet in the morning is the best option too - just keep him happy tonight and give him lots of attention - sleep near him too if you are able too .

Answer 5

I agree about the potential for a stroke or even a tumor (these of course are the worser cases).  Unless it gets worse in the next few hours or if your time zone is such that it is day time, it can probably wait until your vet returns for the next work day.

If it is a stroke and you may not know the full extent of the damage, you will want to be sure to carefully watch the dog and be prepared that normal behaviors and capabilities may not be the case now.  The good news is that if it is a stroke, there is the possibility that some/all function may return with time.

Even if all seems better in a few hours, be sure to consult with a vet anyways.  If you have a digital camera, take some shots to show the vet in case the symptoms seem to disapear as it could be something temporary, but chronic, ie. epilepsy.