Stroke in Dogs: What Are Strokes, and Are They an Emergency?
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Strokes in dogs are considered medical emergencies.
They can be challenging to diagnose and treat in dogs, as several other diseases can cause similar clinical signs.
Key Takeaways
- When strokes in dogs occur, oxygen can’t travel to a pup's brain.
- Treatment for a stroke in dogs is not cut and dried and may not be successful.
- Strokes are not linked to lifestyle choices in dogs. The best way to prevent a stroke in dogs is to be on the lookout for any underlying conditions that increase their risk early on.
What Is a Stroke in Dogs?
A stroke, which is also known as a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), happens when a blood vessel becomes blocked or ruptures.
When this occurs, oxygen can’t travel to the brain.
Sometimes the blocked blood vessel is small, resulting in symptoms so minor they’re readily missed. Other times a stroke can lead to dramatic changes in your dog, including death.
Symptoms of a Stroke in Dogs
Signs of a stroke in dogs include:
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Disorientation or seeming confused
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Circling or falling to one side
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Behavior changes (not acting like themselves, seeming lost, irritable, or withdrawn)
Causes of a Stroke in Dogs
Strokes in dogs often occur as the result of a blood clot, or thrombus, that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a blood vessel.
Several underlying medical conditions, including Cushing's disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and cancer, increase a dog’s risk of developing blood clots and having a stroke.
Strokes can also occur after trauma or as a result of bleeding disorders.
A stroke, which is also known as a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), happens when a blood vessel becomes blocked or ruptures.
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a medical condition that destroys a dog’s platelets. This can lead to a stroke following spontaneous bleeding in the brain.
Strokes can occur in dogs of any age, sex, or breed, but seem more common in senior dogs because they’re more likely to be affected by the above medical conditions.
Greyhounds, Miniature Schnauzers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have an increased risk of experiencing strokes.
How Veterinarians Diagnose a Stroke in Dogs
Diagnosing a stroke in dogs can be tricky, as many diseases can look like a CVA.
If you believe your dog is experiencing signs of a stroke, your veterinarian will likely want to run several tests to look for an underlying disease.
They will start with a thorough exam and will likely recommend blood work, X-rays, blood pressure measurement, and a urinalysis.
Depending on the results of these tests, your vet may also recommend referral to a veterinary neurologist for advanced imaging, like an MRI.
If your dog collapses during a stroke, let your vet know if your dog was conscious and seemed mentally alert during the episode.
They will want to know how long your dog seemed confused afterward and how their current mental state compares to their mental state before the episode.
Treatment of a Stroke in Dogs
Treatment for a stroke in dogs is not cut and dried and may not be successful. Before initiating treatment, it’s often helpful to identify any underlying causes.
If your dog has an underlying disease, getting the condition under control is important to reduce their risk of repeat episodes.
Sometimes anti-clotting medications, such as clopidogrel, are prescribed to reduce the risk of future clots.
If your dog is having a major CVA because of trauma or low platelets, they will likely be hospitalized to get the hemorrhaging under control.
Recovery and Management of a Stroke in Dogs
Often, dogs will recover from strokes with time and supportive care.
The first 30 days after a stroke are telling, as blood clot “showers” (multiple clots in a short period of time) can occur.
Sudden death is always a possibility in a dog who has had a stroke. However, dogs who survive for a month after their initial episode are likely to continue their recovery.
It may take weeks to months for your dog to get back to normal, and some dogs may always have subtle personality or mobility changes after their stroke.
Some dogs may require assistance performing basic tasks while their brains heal. Keeping a regular routine and a safe environment can help make their recovery smooth.
If your dog experiences balance or coordination issues after a stroke, slings and harnesses can be helpful to support them when going outside for bathroom breaks.
Toe grips can also help your dog get around if they’re unsteady on slick floors, like tile or hardwood.
You can also install a baby gate near stairs to prevent unsupervised access where they might hurt themselves.
If your dog experiences personality changes or mental confusion, treat puzzles and games can help stimulate their mind.
Supplements that contain antioxidants, like SAMe, and omega-3 fatty acids can help support the brain.
Talk to your veterinarian to see if your dog may benefit from prescription veterinary diets formulated for brain health, like Purina Neurocare or Hill’s b/d Brain Aging Care.
Prevention of a Stroke in Dogs
Strokes are not linked to lifestyle choices in dogs, like they often are in humans, so prevention can be a challenge.
The best way to prevent a stroke in dogs is to be on the lookout for any underlying conditions that increase their risk early on.
Take your pup into the vet for baseline blood work every year. As your dog gets older, increase the frequency of these tests so you can identify medical conditions and initiate treatment before they lead to strokes.
Stroke in Dogs FAQs
What are the symptoms of a stroke in a dog?
The most common symptoms of strokes in dogs are circling, collapse, seizures, and loss of balance or vision.
Can a dog recover from a stroke?
Yes, dogs can recover from strokes.
What is the life expectancy of a dog with a stroke?
Dogs are at an increased risk of additional clot episodes and even sudden death following a stroke.
However, dogs who survive 30 days after a cerebral vascular attack are likely to continue their recovery.
References
Gredal, et al. Survival and clinical outcome of dogs with ischaemic stroke. Veterinary Journal;196(3):408–413. June 2013.
Platt S. Canine Stroke. Veterinary Information Network. 2008.