Dogs, like humans, can have strokes. While they are less common in dogs, they are equally as serious and always require immediate veterinary attention. A stroke occurs when there is a disruption to the blood flow to the brain, which deprives brain cells of oxygen. This can be caused by a blocked or ruptured blood vessel.
Strokes in dogs are often sudden and serious, and the signs can be subtle and hard to spot. Symptoms include abnormal eye movements, loss of balance, loss of consciousness, and acute weakness. If you suspect your dog is having a stroke, act quickly and seek immediate veterinary care.
What You'll Learn
What are the signs of a stroke in dogs?
Dogs can experience strokes, which are serious and always require immediate veterinary care. While strokes are less common in dogs than in humans, they are often sudden and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Recognising the signs of a stroke in dogs is crucial, as early intervention improves the chances of recovery. Here are the key signs that your dog may be experiencing a stroke:
- Loss of balance and difficulty walking: Dogs may exhibit a sudden loss of balance, inability to stand, or a tendency to lean or fall to one side.
- Abnormal eye movements: Look out for unusual eye movements, such as eyes constantly rotating, darting from side to side, or focusing on different spots.
- Loss of body control: This may include loss of bladder control and difficulty breathing.
- Extreme tiredness or loss of consciousness: If your dog suddenly falls asleep or loses consciousness, it could be a sign of a stroke.
- Disorientation: Dogs may appear directionless, walking in circles, or seem unable to walk in a straight line, resembling drunkenness.
- Change in personality: Strokes can cause sudden changes in behaviour, such as appearing lost, withdrawn, or irritable.
- Head pressing: In some cases, dogs may compulsively press their heads against walls, corners, or other firm objects.
- Seizures: Strokes can trigger seizures, resulting in loss of consciousness and convulsions.
- Acute weakness or paralysis: This may affect one or more limbs, and in severe cases, can lead to complete paralysis.
- Nausea and vomiting: Due to balance issues associated with strokes, dogs may experience nausea and vomiting.
It is important to note that some of these symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions, such as canine stomach upsets or idiopathic vestibular disease, which commonly affects older dogs. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary advice if you suspect your dog is having a stroke, as prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical.
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What causes strokes in dogs?
A stroke in dogs is defined as a sudden interruption in blood supply to any part of the brain. This can be caused by a blood clot, a bleed, or a burst blood vessel.
The most common cause of strokes in dogs is a blood clot, such as a thrombus or embolus, that lodges in a blood vessel in the brain. This is known as a thromboembolism or an embolism. Cerebral bleeding from trauma or as a result of thrombocytopenia, or a low blood platelet count, can also cause strokes.
Strokes in dogs can also be caused by an obstruction in blood vessels (ischemic strokes) or bleeds in the brain (haemorrhagic strokes). Ischemic strokes are caused by a sudden lack of blood supply to the brain and are more common in dogs than haemorrhagic strokes. Haemorrhagic strokes result from the rupture of blood vessels or blood clotting disorders.
Some underlying medical conditions that can cause strokes in dogs include:
- Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism)
- High doses of steroids, such as prednisone
- Heart disease (especially in cats)
- Kidney disease
- Under or over-active thyroid glands
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Clotting disorders
- Trauma
- Tumours
- Infections
- Inflammation
- Poisoning
- Hormone imbalances
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How are strokes in dogs diagnosed?
A stroke in dogs can be diagnosed by a veterinarian through a series of tests. Firstly, the vet will perform a complete physical examination of the dog. This will be followed by diagnostic tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and a blood pressure reading. These tests help rule out other potential causes of the dog's symptoms and identify any underlying causes of the stroke.
To confirm a stroke diagnosis, advanced imaging techniques are required. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the ideal test for diagnosing a stroke and understanding its impact on the brain. In some cases, a computed tomography (CT) scan may also be recommended. These advanced imaging tests provide detailed visuals of the dog's brain, allowing veterinarians to identify blockages, bleeding, or other abnormalities.
It is important to note that diagnosing a stroke in dogs can be challenging, and veterinarians may need to rule out other possible conditions before reaching a definitive conclusion.
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How are strokes in dogs treated?
Strokes in dogs are serious and always require immediate veterinary care. Treatment for dog strokes centres on addressing the dog's symptoms, providing overall supportive care, and managing any underlying health conditions.
If your dog is having a stroke, you should act quickly and seek immediate veterinary care. Once a stroke has occurred, there is no specific treatment that can repair the damage done to the brain. However, vets will try to identify a possible cause to prevent further strokes.
- Blood pressure medication to lower blood pressure
- Anticoagulant medication to dissolve blood clots
- Medication to correct hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels)
Supportive care for your dog may include:
- Intravenous fluid therapy
- Oxygen therapy
- Physical therapy
- Helping your dog with walking, urinating, and defecating
- Providing good nutrition
The long-term outlook and chances of another stroke depend on what caused the stroke and whether this can be treated.
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Can strokes in dogs be prevented?
Strokes in dogs are rare but serious and always require immediate veterinary care. While strokes in dogs are not always fatal, the prognosis is better if the dog receives treatment quickly.
Strokes are caused by a sudden interruption in blood supply to the brain, which can be due to a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. Underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders, and Cushing's disease can increase the risk of strokes in dogs.
There is no specific treatment for dogs who have strokes, but the correct treatment can target the underlying cause. For example, if the stroke was caused by high blood pressure, the vet would prescribe medication to lower it and reduce the likelihood of further strokes. Regular check-ups with the vet can address potential causes and reduce the likelihood of your dog experiencing a stroke.
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Frequently asked questions
Signs of a stroke in dogs include:
- Loss of balance
- Loss of bladder control
- Abnormal eye movements
- Loss of consciousness
- Acute weakness and/or paralysis in one or more limbs
- Head tilt
- Circling
- Loss of balance
- Abnormal eye movements
If you suspect your dog is having a stroke, get them to a vet immediately.
Treatment for dog strokes involves addressing the dog's symptoms, providing overall supportive care, and managing any underlying health conditions.
Dogs can have strokes, but these are usually massive strokes rather than mini strokes.