Chances are, you know someone who has had a stroke and has seen the life-altering impact it can have. As a pet parent, you might be surprised to learn that dogs can have strokes, too.
There are two mechanisms that cause strokes in dogs: an obstruction in blood vessels (ischemic strokes) which occur due to blood clots, tumor cells, clumps of platelets, bacteria and parasites; and bleeds in the brain (hemorrhagic strokes), which result from the rupture of blood vessels or clotting disorders.
What a Stroke Looks Like in a Dog
Signs of strokes in animals can be similar to those in people, though animals obviously do not suffer from slurred speech or loss of memory, and symptoms vary depending on the location in the brain where the stroke occurred, experts say.
Even in people, these signs can be subtle, and since animals can’t speak and tell us they feel dizzy or I can no longer see out of my left eye, subtle true strokes can go unnoticed in animals.
However, it is more common to see massive strokes in dogs, say experts and pet parents sometimes mistake fainting spells (syncope) for strokes. Both are very serious and require immediate attention by a veterinarian.
Symptoms of strokes in dogs can include:
Inability to walk or walking with an uncoordinated gait
Head tilt
Abnormal eye movements, side to side or rotary (nystagmus)
Abnormal eye positioning (strabismus)
Loss of consciousness
Abnormal behavior
Falling to one side
Blindness
Abnormal behavior
Rapid onset of symptoms
Causes of Strokes in Dogs
Vets typically see only a couple of cases of strokes in dogs every year, and when they do occur, it is usually in a very old dog who has diseases that can increase the risk of clots or bleeding.
The signs can be frightening and may be associated with discomfort for the dog, and some owners elect to euthanize their pets, especially in the cases of strokes in very old dogs.
The underlying diseases that can cause strokes in dogs include kidney disease, Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism), hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, bleeding disorders, hypothyroidism, cancer, and in some cases, high doses of steroids, such as prednisone, can lead to stroke. While no one breed is more likely to suffer a stroke than another, breeds that are prone to some of the underlying diseases that cause them might be predisposed to strokes, such as King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, which have a high rate of heart disease.
Treatment Begins with Diagnosis
Proper diagnosis is the most important part of treating strokes in dogs. A fainting spell that might look like a stroke can be caused by abnormal heart rhythm, which can be life threatening. Your vet can distinguish a stroke from a fainting spell by examining your dog’s heart functions to rule out a cardiac problem. Tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-rays, and possibly a cardiac ultrasound.
Once the cause is determined, treatment will aim to resolve it. If a clot caused the stroke, blood thinners might be prescribed, or high blood pressure medications might be in order for a stroke caused by hypertension.
The neurologic signs associated with a stroke are allowed to resolve on their own as the patient’s body re-establishes blood flow to the affected area and swelling resolves. Medications such as steroids, mannitol and hypertonic saline can help resolve swelling in the brain.
Managing urination and defecation, maintaining good nutrition, and simple physical therapy (massage, passive range of motion of limbs, if needed, etc.) are important for healing.
Can Strokes in Dogs be Prevented?
Strokes per se cannot be prevented. However, given the fact that they are associated with underlying disease processes, routine check-ups with a veterinarian and blood screening can identify potential causes that can be addressed.
Comments