A stroke is a medical condition in which the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. When this happens, the brain is deprived of oxygen and brain damage can occur. Fortunately, many pets can make a full recovery after a stroke. In fact, cats and dogs usually recover from a stroke much more quickly than humans do.
Causes of Stroke
There are two types of strokes in pets: ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic strokes are caused by insufficient blood supply to the brain. This occurs when bloodvessels become obstructed by blood clots or other material such as tumor cells. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when blood vessels are ruptured due to trauma or disease, resulting in an excess of blood to the brain.
Strokes can be caused by a number of underlying health conditions, including hyperlipidemia, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and kidney disease. However, many cases are idiopathic. This means that they have no identifiable cause.
Symptoms of Stroke
Symptoms of stroke in pets can be quite subtle. They will also depend on the severity of the condition, and other factors such as the area of the brain affected. Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following signs or symptoms of a stroke.
- Ataxia (loss of balance and coordination)
- Head tilting
- Circling
- Behavioral changes
- Seizures
- Loss of vision
- Collapse
Diagnosis of Stroke
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical and neurological examination to check for clinical signs of a stroke.
Routine diagnostic tests may include a urinalysis, bloodwork, and imaging techniques such as X-rays and ultrasounds to rule out underlying health conditions. To confirm a diagnosis of stroke, your veterinarian will use MRI or CT scans to examine your pet’s brain for lesions.
Treatment of Stroke
Treatment of stroke will depend on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, a period of hospitalization will be necessary to stabilize and monitor your pet. During this time, your veterinarian may provide supportive care such as fluid or oxygen therapy.
Other potential treatments for stroke include seizure medications, dietary changes, and physical therapy. It will also be necessary to monitor your pet closely during recovery. Your veterinarian will recommend appropriate treatment options based on your pet’s overall health and the severity of their symptoms. Please follow all treatment advice closely and administer prescribed medications as instructed.
Prevention of Stroke
Unfortunately, strokes are difficult to prevent, since there are multiple underlying causes of the condition. We recommend scheduling regular appointments with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s overall health and screen for illnesses that can lead to strokes or other serious health issues.
