Pot's Impact: Can Cats Have Strokes From Marijuana?

Cats can have strokes, though it is a rare occurrence. A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, occurs when there is a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain. While strokes in cats are far less frequent than in humans, they are considered a medical emergency and require immediate veterinary attention. The signs of a cat having a stroke include stumbling, pressing their head against a hard surface, weakness, and seizures. If you suspect your cat is having a stroke, contact your vet right away.

What are the symptoms of a cat stroke?

A stroke, or a cerebrovascular accident, occurs when there is a sudden interruption to the blood supply to the brain. Cats of any age or breed can have strokes, but they are rare. The symptoms of a stroke in cats will vary depending on what area of the brain is most impacted, as well as the size of the bleed or blockage and how much of the surrounding brain tissue has been affected.

If your cat is experiencing a stroke, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms occurring suddenly:

• Abnormal eye movements
• Falling and/or circling
• Head turning or tilting
• Head pressing (possibly as a result of a headache)
• Not using the legs normally (sometimes on one side of the body)
• Unsteadiness when walking
• Muscle spasms, including severe spasms that cause the head, neck, and body to arch backwards
• Rapidly moving pupils
• Unevenly sized pupils
• Disorientation and seeming to lose awareness of their surroundings
• Stumbling
• Collapse
• Blindness
• Seizures
• Sudden death
• Abrupt changes in behaviour

These symptoms will typically occur very quickly and will be at their worst approximately 24 to 72 hours after the stroke.

What causes a cat stroke?

A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs in cats when there is a disruption in the blood supply to the brain, leading to the malfunctioning and potential death of brain cells. This disruption is usually caused by a blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel in the brain.

There are two types of strokes that can occur in cats: ischaemic and hemorrhagic. An ischaemic stroke occurs when blood supply to the cat's brain suddenly stops, often due to underlying illnesses that cause an artery to narrow or become clogged. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds, resulting in blood pressing on and damaging the brain tissue.

Several underlying health problems can increase the risk of a cat having a stroke. Some commonly cited conditions include cancer within or spreading to the brain, heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, conditions that make the blood clot more easily (such as endocrine or kidney disease), liver disease, diabetes, migrating parasites, lung disease, infections, and trauma. However, in many cases, the exact cause of the stroke remains unknown.

Strokes in cats are typically diagnosed in older cats, around nine years old, and require immediate veterinary attention. Symptoms of a stroke in cats include stumbling, head-pressing, weakness, abnormal eye movements, falling, circling, head turning or tilting, seizures, disorientation, and changes in behaviour or personality. These symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of the stroke.

How are cat strokes diagnosed?

Cat strokes are rare but serious, and they require immediate veterinary attention. If you notice any signs of a stroke in your cat, such as stumbling, seizures, or sudden collapse, contact your vet right away.

To diagnose a stroke in a cat, a veterinarian will first take a thorough health history, asking questions about what symptoms you have observed, how quickly they developed, and whether they have changed over time. A physical and neurological exam will be performed, followed by laboratory tests such as blood tests, urinalysis, fecal examination, and blood pressure testing to rule out other diseases that might be responsible for the cat's condition.

If the veterinarian suspects a stroke, more advanced testing is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Brain imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans can identify abnormalities within the brain. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid or a D-dimer blood test can also be helpful in detecting the breakdown of abnormal blood clots within the body.

It is important to remember that cat strokes require immediate and sometimes ongoing treatment to give your cat the best chance for recovery.

What treatments are available for cats that have had strokes?

While strokes in cats are rare, they can be serious and require immediate veterinary attention. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for strokes in cats, and treatment plans are typically tailored to the individual cat's needs. However, here are some of the treatments available for cats that have had strokes:

Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy is used to improve oxygen delivery to damaged brain tissue and promote healing. This can be crucial for the cat's recovery, as strokes occur when there is a sudden interruption in blood flow to the brain, resulting in a lack of oxygen and nutrient supply.

Seizure Medications

Seizure medications are administered to control seizures and reduce intracranial pressure. Seizures are a common symptom of strokes in cats and can cause further complications if not addressed.

Management of Underlying Conditions

As strokes in cats are often caused by underlying health issues, managing these conditions is an important part of the treatment plan. This may include treating cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, infections, or other identified issues.

Physical Therapy

Physical rehabilitation or physiotherapy can help address any persistent neurological deficits caused by the stroke. This may include exercises to improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength, as well as addressing any lasting neurological problems such as a head tilt or stumbling.

Assistance with Daily Needs

Cats recovering from a stroke may require assistance with basic needs such as urination, defecation, and maintaining cleanliness and comfort. This may involve helping the cat with litter box use or providing additional support during their recovery period.

Medication for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common underlying cause of strokes in cats, so medication to lower blood pressure may be recommended by the veterinarian. This can help prevent future strokes and improve the cat's overall health.

It is important to note that the treatment plan will depend on the individual case, and veterinarians will work with cat owners to determine the best course of action for their pet's recovery.

Can cat strokes be prevented?

Cat strokes are medical emergencies that require immediate veterinary attention. While strokes in cats are less frequent than in humans, they can be life-threatening and demand swift action from pet owners.

Strokes in cats occur when there is a sudden interruption in blood supply to the brain, leading to the destruction of brain tissue. The two types of strokes observed in cats are ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by a clot within a blood vessel in the brain, while hemorrhagic strokes result from bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel.

Although cat strokes cannot always be prevented, especially when they arise from underlying health issues, there are several measures that cat owners can take to reduce the risk of strokes caused by external factors:

• Hazardous Substance Management: Keep hazardous substances out of your cat's reach. This includes ensuring that your cat does not have access to rat poison, which contains warfarin, a toxin that can induce bleeding.
• Antiparasitic Treatment: Regularly update your cat's antiparasitic treatment to protect against parasitic infections such as lungworm.
• Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule routine health check-ups with your veterinarian to identify and manage any underlying health conditions that could elevate the risk of a stroke.
• Physical Rehabilitation: If your cat has previously suffered a stroke, your veterinarian may recommend physical rehabilitation or physiotherapy to enhance your cat's movement and overall health.
• Dietary Adjustments: Improve your cat's diet, nutrition, and hydration levels.
• Prompt Treatment: If you observe any stroke symptoms in your cat, such as head pressing, abnormal eye movements, or unsteadiness, seek immediate veterinary care. The sooner your cat receives treatment, the better their chances of recovery.

By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can proactively reduce the likelihood of your cat experiencing a stroke and improve their overall well-being.

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