Caring For Your Dog After A Stroke: What To Do?

Strokes in dogs are rare but serious and always require immediate veterinary care. The signs of a stroke can vary depending on which area of the brain is affected. Symptoms include abnormal eye movements, such as back and forth movement or loss of blink reflexes, weakness on one side, misjudging their steps, vomiting due to balance issues, wandering in circles, and loss of body control. If you suspect your dog is having a stroke, it's important to act quickly and seek immediate veterinary attention. During a stroke, you can help your dog by staying with them, keeping them calm, and offering them water in small amounts. Elevate their head to relieve pressure and prevent additional pressure on the brain. After a stroke, provide a comfortable resting place and reposition them regularly to prevent sores. Administer any prescribed medications, such as sedatives, anti-nausea medication, anti-inflammatories, or anticonvulsants. It's also crucial to determine the underlying cause of the stroke, which could include high blood pressure, infection, cancer, kidney disease, or heart health issues.

Recognise the signs: abnormal eye movements, vomiting, loss of balance, walking in circles, tilting of the head, seizures, etc

Recognising the signs of a stroke in dogs is crucial as they often occur without warning and can be difficult to spot. Here are some key indicators to look out for:

• Abnormal eye movements: Keep an eye out for unusual eye movements such as your dog's eyes constantly rotating or darting from side to side. One eye may stay still while the other moves, or both eyes may appear to be focusing on different spots.
• Vomiting: Vomiting can be a sign of a stroke, but it is important to differentiate it from a stomach upset. With a stroke, your dog may constantly dry heave and seem unable to stop.
• Loss of balance: Strokes affect the brain, impairing your dog's ability to remain upright. Look out for sudden loss of balance, inability to stand, leaning to one side, or seeking support by leaning on you.
• Walking in circles: Due to impaired brain function, your dog may seem directionless and walk in circles as if intoxicated.
• Tilting of the head: A head tilt, along with abnormal eye movements, can be a sign of a stroke.
• Seizures: Seizures or aggressive behaviour may occur, and your dog may seem distressed and act out of character.

If you notice any of these signs, it is crucial to act quickly and seek immediate veterinary care. While strokes can be serious, prompt treatment improves your dog's chances of recovery.

Keep them calm and safe: stay with your dog, talk in a soft voice, and gently move their head upwards to relieve pressure

If you suspect your dog is having a stroke, it is important to keep them calm and safe. Here are some steps you can take:

• Stay with your dog: It is important to stay close to your dog and keep them safe and reassured during a stroke. Try to remain calm and speak to your dog in a soft voice.
• Gently move their head upwards: As strokes are caused by excess pressure between the brain and skull bone, gently moving your dog's head upwards can help relieve this pressure. If your dog is lying down, keep their head elevated to promote blood flow away from the brain.
• Offer water: Some dogs may develop extreme thirst after a stroke. Offer them water, but only allow them to drink for a few seconds at a time to avoid overconsumption.
• Take them to the vet: Seek immediate veterinary care for your dog. If there is an emergency animal clinic nearby, take them there right away. The sooner your dog receives professional care, the better their chances for recovery.

Seek immediate veterinary attention: your vet will run tests to diagnose the stroke and treat the underlying cause

If you suspect your dog is having a stroke, you should seek immediate veterinary attention. The vet will perform a series of tests to diagnose the stroke and determine the underlying cause.

Firstly, the vet will perform a complete physical examination to test your dog's brain and nerve function. They will stimulate various reflexes and assess your dog's response. To better understand the cause of the symptoms, the vet may perform additional tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, a heart ultrasound, or an ECG. If advanced imaging facilities are available, they may also recommend a CT, MRI, or fluoroscopy to assess your dog's heart, circulation, brain, and nervous system.

The tests will help the vet determine the underlying cause of the stroke, which could be due to a blood clot, bleeding from a blood vessel, high blood pressure, infection, cancer, kidney disease, or heart health issues. Once the underlying cause is identified, the vet will be able to provide appropriate treatment and manage any underlying health conditions to prevent another stroke from occurring.

Administer medication: your vet may prescribe sedatives, anti-nausea medication, anti-inflammatories, or anticonvulsants

If your dog has had a stroke, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention. Your vet will be able to prescribe medication to help manage your dog's symptoms and prevent further strokes. Here are some types of medication your vet may prescribe:

Sedatives

If your dog is anxious or stressed, your vet may prescribe sedatives to help calm them down. Examples of sedatives include diazepam, xylazine, acepromazine, and midazolam. These drugs can also help reduce your dog's anxiety and prepare them for any necessary procedures.

Anti-nausea Medication

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of a stroke in dogs due to balance issues. Your vet may prescribe anti-nausea medication to help alleviate these symptoms and improve your dog's comfort.

Anti-inflammatories

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce swelling, inflammation, pain, and lameness associated with a stroke. Examples of NSAIDs include carprofen, deracoxib, firocoxib, and meloxicam. Steroids, such as prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone, can also be used to reduce inflammation and manage allergic reactions.

Anticonvulsants

If your dog is experiencing seizures as a result of the stroke, your vet may prescribe anticonvulsant medication to help control and prevent seizures.

It is important to follow your vet's instructions when administering any medication to your dog and to provide them with a complete list of any other medications or supplements your dog is taking to avoid any potential drug interactions.

Provide supportive care: keep your dog warm, reposition them regularly, and increase their antioxidant and omega fatty acid intake

If your dog has had a stroke, it is important to provide supportive care to aid their recovery. Here are some ways to do this:

• Keep your dog warm: Ensure your dog has a warm spot to rest and recover. Add extra padding, blankets, or cushions to their bed or usual resting place to enhance their comfort. It is crucial to maintain a balance and avoid overheating.
• Reposition them regularly: If your dog is unable to move freely, gently shift their position to prevent the development of sores or body aches from resting too long in the same spot. If your dog cannot move to relieve themselves, consider positioning them on absorbent materials like hay or wood chips.
• Increase their antioxidant intake: Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and citric acid are essential for preventing the negative effects of oxidation, which can lead to brain cell degeneration and increase the risk of stroke. Consider adding fresh rosemary, a natural antioxidant, to your dog's diet.
• Increase their omega fatty acid intake: Omega-3 fatty acids are concentrated in the brain and promote connections between different brain regions. They also reduce inflammation and enhance oxygen flow throughout the body. Consult your veterinarian before incorporating omega-3 supplements or omega-3-rich foods into your dog's diet.

Frequently asked questions