How to Tell If My Dog Had a Stroke - Signs of Stroke In Dogs

Although rare, dogs are susceptible to stroke just as humans are. If a vascular system exists, then a stoke can occur. You may notice changes in your pet's behavior that are out of the ordinary, but doesn't necessarily mean a stroke has happened.

Types of stroke in dogs:

Ischemic: Due to a narrowing or blockage of an artery, and may have a relationship to diseases of the heart, kidneys, and metabolic disturbances such as diabetes. Anything that causes hypertension in a dog can cause a stroke. Your dog should also be examined for tumors and thyroid activity.

Hemorrhagic: Due to a rupture of a blood vessel causing bleeding into the brain. This type of stroke may have underlying conditions such as:

• Kidney and heart disease


• Metabolic disorders


• Phlebitis (inflamed artery)


• Angiostrongylosis (lung worm)


• Poisons


• Brain lesions


• Severe blow to the head


• Abnormal blood vessel formation

Signs of Canine Stroke: Symptoms of stoke in your dog could mimic normal behavior, which could make it difficult to recognize your dog is having a brain attack.

Signs may include:

• Tilting the head


• Turning the wrong way when called


• Eating out of one side of food dish


• Blindness


• Loss of balance


• Lethargy


• Incontinence of bowel and bladder


• Sudden behavioral changes

If your dog is showing any of the above symptoms, call the vet or get to a vet hospital as soon as possible so that a diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started.

Diagnosis is made by a physical exam, as well as CT and MRI scans, for which your pet will be put to sleep to safely administer these tests.

Treatment:

Treatment involves determining what caused the stroke in the first place. Damage is unrepairable, but your pet should fully recover in a few weeks, however, you may notice a small behavioral changes. Dogs tolerate a stroke better than humans do and usually survive it.

What breeds are most susceptible for stroke?

• Short-faced breeds: Pugs, Pekingese, Mastiffs, and Boxers


• Dogs with dark coats: black Labs, Dobermans, and Rottweilers

Dogs that are ill or have respiratory diseases are also prone. Being mindful of outside temperatures can help prevent the incidence of stroke in dogs.

Your pet is a member of your family and the same precautions apply. Never leave your pet outside in the searing heat without shelter or fresh water. And don't leave him outside in the dead of winter either. Never leave your dog in the car with the windows rolled up, and always make sure that you keep up with immunizations and vet visits for checkups. Have your dog spayed or neutered if not involved in breeding activity. Be sure to have your dog on a leash while walking and exercising.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT