Can Over-Exertion Cause Strokes In Dogs?

Dogs can have strokes, and they can be fatal. While strokes are less common in dogs than in humans, they are often sudden and serious, requiring immediate veterinary care. The symptoms of a stroke in dogs include a head tilt, circling, loss of balance, and unusual eye movements. If you suspect your dog is having a stroke, get them to a vet immediately.

Strokes in dogs are caused by a disruption to the blood flow to the brain, just like in humans. This can be due to a clot or a bleed. Ischaemic strokes, caused by a lack of blood supply to the brain, are the most common type of stroke in dogs. Haemorrhagic strokes, caused by bleeding within the brain, are less common.

The risk factors for strokes in dogs are different from those in humans. Dogs don't drink, smoke, or eat unhealthy, fatty foods, so it was once believed that they couldn't have strokes. However, we now know that strokes in dogs are often caused by underlying health conditions such as hypertension, Cushing's disease, heart disease, diabetes, bleeding disorders, hypothyroidism, cancer, and certain medications.

It's important to be able to recognise the signs of a stroke in dogs and seek immediate veterinary treatment. The sooner your dog gets help, the better their chances for recovery.

What are the symptoms of a dog having a stroke?

While strokes are less common in dogs than in humans, they can still occur. It's important to be able to recognise the symptoms of a stroke in dogs, as they often require immediate veterinary care.

• Loss of balance: This may manifest as a sudden loss of coordination, inability to stand or walk, or leaning to one side.
• Loss of control over bodily functions: This includes loss of bladder control and inability to breathe.
• Extreme tiredness or loss of consciousness: Your dog may seem to fall asleep suddenly or be unable to be roused.
• Disorientation: Your dog may appear drunk, walking in circles or in a directionless fashion, and may be unable to respond to spoken commands.
• Abnormal eye movements: Look out for constant eye rotation or darting from side to side, or one eye staying still while the other moves.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to seek veterinary advice immediately. While strokes can be serious, most dogs can make a full recovery if treated promptly.

What are the possible causes of strokes in dogs?

While strokes are rare in dogs, they can be caused by a variety of underlying health conditions. The most common cause of strokes in dogs is hypertension, or high blood pressure. This can be caused by Cushing's disease, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or hypothyroidism. Other causes of strokes in dogs include blood clotting disorders, underactive thyroid glands, certain medications, and exposure to toxins such as rat poison. In some cases, the cause of a dog's stroke may be unknown.

How is a stroke in a dog diagnosed?

Strokes in dogs can be difficult to spot and often mimic other health issues, so it is important to seek veterinary advice if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Your vet will need to accurately diagnose the stroke before beginning treatment. They will perform a complete physical exam, including a cardiac evaluation to rule out a cardiac problem that can cause fainting, and other diagnostic tests such as blood tests, urine tests, blood pressure readings, and hormone-level testing.

If your dog's heart is healthy, your veterinarian will evaluate their brain function and may refer them for advanced imaging, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or computed tomography (CT) scan, to check for brain blockages or bleeding.

After completing all the diagnostic testing, your vet will have a better idea of what caused your dog's stroke and can develop an appropriate treatment plan.

What does dog stroke treatment involve?

Dog Stroke Treatment

If you suspect your dog is having a stroke, it is important to get them to a vet immediately. While strokes are less common in dogs than in humans, they can be serious and always require immediate veterinary care.

Diagnosis

Your vet will need to perform a physical exam and run diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, and a blood pressure reading, to rule out other potential causes of your dog's symptoms and identify the underlying cause of the stroke. They may also use advanced imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to get a detailed picture of your dog's brain and confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options

There is no specific treatment to repair the damage caused by a stroke in dogs. However, the goal of treatment is to address your dog's symptoms, provide overall supportive care, and manage any underlying health conditions. Treatment options may include:

• Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy: Administering IV fluids is crucial as it helps maintain oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain, flush out waste products, and promote blood circulation.
• Oxygen therapy: This therapy ensures the brain receives adequate oxygen, which is essential for its functioning and recovery.
• Medications: Depending on the underlying cause, your vet may prescribe medications such as blood pressure medication, anticoagulants to dissolve blood clots, or drugs to correct hypothyroidism.
• Physical therapy: This may be necessary to help your dog regain full function and improve their overall health and well-being.
• Alternative therapies: Acupuncture therapy and antioxidants may be recommended to improve your dog's health and prevent future strokes.

Prognosis and Prevention

Most dogs that receive timely treatment have a good chance of recovering from a stroke. However, recovery depends on various factors, including the severity of the stroke, the presence of other health conditions, and how quickly treatment is initiated.

To prevent strokes in dogs, regular check-ups with the vet are important to address potential underlying causes, such as hypertension or diabetes, and reduce the likelihood of your dog experiencing a stroke.

How do I care for my dog post-stroke?

If your dog has had a stroke, it's important to get them to a vet as soon as possible. The vet will be able to provide the best care and advice for your dog's recovery. Here are some things you can do to care for your dog post-stroke:

• Provide a comfortable resting place: Make sure your dog has a warm spot where they feel safe during their recovery. Add extra padding, blankets, or cushions to their regular spot to make them more comfortable. It's important to keep them warm without overheating.
• Reposition your dog regularly: If your dog is unable to move freely, gently shift them to their other side or stomach to avoid sores or body aches from resting too long in one spot.
• Administer medications: Depending on the cause and results of your dog's stroke, they may need various prescription medications. These could include sedatives, anti-nausea medication, anti-inflammatories, or anticonvulsants.
• Increase your dog's antioxidant intake: Check for common natural antioxidants like vitamins C and E and citric acid in your dog's food. You can also include fresh rosemary in their meals, as dogs often eat this in the wild to boost their antioxidant intake.
• Feed your dog a diet high in omega fatty acids: Omega 3 fatty acids are thought to help dogs recovering from strokes. They are concentrated in the brain and improve connections between its various parts, reduce inflammation, and increase oxygen flow. Check with your vet before starting this course of treatment.
• Monitor your dog's food and water intake: Stroke can cause nausea and loss of appetite, so keep an eye on your dog's willingness to eat. They may also develop an unquenchable thirst, so offer them water periodically but only allow them to drink for a few seconds at a time.
• Elevate your dog's head: Keep your dog's head elevated when they are lying down to help blood flow away from the brain. If they are sitting or standing, gently move their head upwards to relieve pressure.
• Take your dog to the vet regularly: More frequent preventive visits to the vet are important after a stroke. This allows the vet to screen for early indicators of another stroke and other canine illnesses.
• Determine the cause of the stroke: Work with your vet to understand the root cause of the stroke to prevent recurrence. For example, if the stroke was due to high blood pressure, your dog may need regular medication to lower it.
• Engage in rehabilitation activities: Once your dog has had time to rest, start small, easy activities to help them recover. Consult your veterinarian to determine when your dog is ready for physical activities. Hydrotherapy and strength training are excellent ways to build up your dog's strength.

Frequently asked questions