Horse Mini Strokes: What Owners Need To Know

Horses can have strokes, which are referred to as cerebrovascular accidents. This is similar to a human stroke, as it is often caused by a haemorrhage in the brain. A stroke in a horse occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or ceases, resulting in a lack of oxygen to the brain and killing off cells necessary for normal function. The most obvious signs of a stroke in a horse are the inability to stand straight and hold its head up, staggering, and tilting its head. Other symptoms include elevated respiratory and heart rate, fever, skin dryness, and an uncontrollable release of bowels.

What are the symptoms of a stroke in a horse?

A stroke in a horse, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, occurs when blood flow to the brain is ceased or interrupted, resulting in a lack of oxygen to the brain and killing off cells necessary for normal function. If immediate care is not sought, death is a likely result.

The most obvious signs of a stroke in a horse are their inability to stand straight and hold their head up. This loss of balance and inability to stand is often the first symptom of a stroke. You may also observe staggering, tripping, tilting of the head, and a splay-footed stance or leaning against stall walls for support. Horses may also suffer a release in their bowels and appear swollen.

Other symptoms of a stroke in a horse include:

• Elevated respiratory and heart rate, with a temperature of over 103 degrees F and dehydration.
• Paralysis of the muscles in the eyes, face, or mouth, evident by drooping eyes, ears, or lips.
• Abnormal gait or lameness, including issues with walking in a straight line or dragging of the toes.
• Fever greater than 106 degrees and skin dryness, paired with signs of issues with the central nervous system and lack of awareness.
• Lack of coordination, weakness, or paralysis of the hind limbs.
• Muscle twitching, impaired vision, head pressing, aimless wandering, convulsions, circling, and coma.
• Non-neurologic signs such as loss of appetite and a depressed attitude.

If you suspect your horse is having a stroke, it is important to call your veterinarian immediately. Early treatment will give your horse the best chance of recovery.

What are the warning signs of a mini-stroke?

Warning Signs of a Mini-Stroke in Horses

A stroke in a horse, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, occurs when blood flow to the brain is ceased or interrupted, often due to heat or a hemorrhage in the brain. This results in a lack of oxygen to the brain, killing off cells necessary for normal function. If immediate care is not sought, death is a likely result.

• Inability to Stand Straight and Hold Head Up: One of the most obvious signs of a stroke in a horse is its inability to maintain balance and stand properly. You may notice the horse struggling to hold its head up, appearing with a depressed look, or staggering and tripping for no apparent reason.
• Loss of Bowel Control: Horses experiencing a stroke may suffer a release of their bowels, which can be a concerning symptom.
• Swelling: The horse's body may appear swollen for unknown reasons, indicating a potential stroke.
• Elevated Vital Signs: Less noticeable symptoms include an elevated respiratory and heart rate, with a body temperature higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit, and dehydration. These signs, when combined with other symptoms, can be indicative of a stroke.
• Paralysis of Facial Muscles: Drooping eyes, ears, or lips can be a sign of paralysis affecting the eyes, face, or mouth. If the condition worsens, the horse may lose sensation in these areas, as well as along its neck or body.
• Abnormal Gait and Lameness: Disruptions in the horse's nervous system can lead to abnormal gaits and lameness. The horse may become uncoordinated and struggle to walk in a straight line, with its hind legs turning inward.
• Fever and Skin Dryness: In addition to the neurological symptoms, a horse experiencing a stroke may also exhibit a fever greater than 106 degrees Fahrenheit and skin dryness.

If you observe any of these warning signs in your horse, it is crucial to call your veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best chance of recovery.

How do you treat a horse that has had a stroke?

If you suspect your horse is having a stroke, it is important to call your veterinarian immediately. While waiting for veterinary assistance to arrive, there are several steps you can take to treat the horse and try to prevent further damage.

Firstly, move the horse to a cooler setting, such as a shaded area or an indoor space with better ventilation. Heat stress and heat stroke are equine emergencies, so it is crucial to remove the horse from direct sunlight and lower their body temperature. Use hoses or buckets to drench the horse with cool (not cold) water, focusing on large blood vessels along the inner thighs and neck. You can also use wet towels, replacing them frequently to maintain a cool temperature. Additionally, increase air movement by placing fans near the horse to aid in evaporation and enhance the cooling process.

Encourage the horse to drink small sips of fresh, cool water. Do not force the horse to drink as this could cause aspiration or worsen its condition. Dehydration is a major concern, so rehydration is vital. In severe cases, intravenous fluid therapy may be necessary to treat dehydration, electrolyte loss, and shock.

Monitor the horse's vital signs, including rectal temperature, heart rate, and overall behaviour. A steady decrease in body temperature and stabilization of heart rate are good indicators of recovery. If the horse's condition does not improve or worsens, escalate your response and seek immediate veterinary attention.

During the examination, the veterinarian will likely perform a neurological exam to determine the affected site in the nervous system. They will assess the horse's emotional condition, behaviour, and physical capabilities, such as walking and backing up in tight circles. They may also perform a cranial nerve exam to test functions like hearing, vision, swallowing, and muscle control.

Following the examination, the veterinarian may prescribe steroids, aspirin, tranquilizers, or anti-inflammatories to treat the stroke. Hand walking, hand trotting, and massaging the horse can also aid in its recovery. It is important to note that the long-term outlook and risk of another stroke depend on the underlying cause of the incident.

What causes horses to have a stroke?

Horses can have strokes, referred to as cerebrovascular accidents, and they present similar symptoms to humans. Strokes in horses are usually caused by either heat stress or a hemorrhage in the brain.

Heat stress can be caused by high outside temperatures, high environmental humidity, and poor barn ventilation. These conditions can lead to heat stroke in horses, which can cause a stroke if not addressed promptly.

Hemorrhage in the brain, or bleeding in the brain, can be caused by various factors. In horses, it is not typically due to high cholesterol or plaque in the arteries, as their diet and environment are different from humans. However, other factors can contribute to brain hemorrhage and subsequent stroke.

Some possible causes of stroke in horses include:

• Dehydration: This is a common factor in heat stroke and can also contribute to bleeding in the brain.
• Elevated respiratory and heart rate: An increased respiratory and heart rate can be a sign of stress or underlying health issues, which may increase the risk of stroke.
• Advanced age: Older horses are more susceptible to health issues, including stroke.
• Trauma or injury: Spinal injuries, soft tissue injuries, or fractures can affect the horse's coordination and increase the risk of stroke.
• Infections or diseases: Various infections or diseases, such as encephalitis or rabies, can impact the central nervous system and potentially lead to stroke.
• Toxins or poisons: Exposure to toxins or poisonous plants can have neurological effects and potentially contribute to stroke.

It is important to note that the specific causes of stroke in horses can vary, and a veterinarian should be consulted for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

What can be mistaken for a mini-stroke?

A mini-stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), can be mistaken for a seizure. In fact, seizures are one of the most common stroke mimics, accounting for as many as 20% of all stroke mimics. Other conditions that can be mistaken for a mini-stroke include migraines, syncope, sepsis, brain tumours, and metabolic derangement (low sodium or low blood sugar).

While horses can have seizures, they are not very common. However, if a horse experiences a seizure, it is important to monitor them closely as a second seizure may indicate a more serious issue that requires veterinary attention.

Some signs and symptoms of a stroke in horses include:

• Inability to stand straight and hold their head up
• Loss of balance
• Trembling
• Nystagmus (involuntary eye movements)
• Elevated respiratory and heart rate
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Skin dryness
• Lack of coordination
• Weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs
• Muscle twitching
• Impaired vision
• Head pressing
• Aimless wandering
• Convulsions
• Circling
• Coma

If you suspect your horse is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

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