Spotting The Symptoms Of A Stroke In Dogs

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It’s not only humans that have to deal with strokes; dogs also face this health challenge. While a human can feel a certain way and run to a hospital for help, it may be harder to know if a dog has a stroke, as they can’t speak up. The list will guide you in recognizing signs of stroke in your dog.

What Causes a Stroke in Dogs?

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When blood flow to a dog’s brain is interrupted, it leads to a stroke. This makes the brain not receive enough oxygen for its cells, and they may start to damage or die. A dog has a better chance of recovering if care begins early. There are two major types of strokes in dogs—ischemic and hemorrhagic.

Ischemic Stroke

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This stroke is more common than hemorrhagic stroke in dogs. It happens when there is a blockage in a vein that feeds the brain with blood that’s rich in oxygen. This lack of blood flow, which can be caused by blood clots, tumors, infections, etc., deprives the brain of oxygen.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

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In the case of hemorrhagic stroke, blood vessels rupture in the brain, which can be caused by trauma or a blood clotting disorder, and bleeding occurs there. One thing to be wary about in this kind of stroke is the danger the brain faces as the accumulation of blood puts pressure on it.

Causes of Strokes in Dogs

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Many things can cause dogs to catch a stroke. One of the main causes of strokes is blocked vessels, which can be caused by the presence of a parasite or bacteria. Blood vessels can rupture when your dog gets trauma to the head during a fall or an accident, which can damage a blood vessel.

Diseases that Cause Stroke

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Many illnesses can give a dog a stroke. Some are kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing disease, hypertension, hypothyroidism, heartworm disease, and cancer. High doses of steroids like Prednisone can end in stroke, and meds like phenylpropanolamine, which helps dogs with urine leakage, can boost the risk of having it.

Risk Factors for Strokes

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Although strokes can affect dogs of any age or breed, they more commonly affect middle-aged to senior dogs and breeds with wide, flat faces. Certain dog breeds, such as Greyhounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Miniature Schnauzers, are more susceptible to strokes.

Symptoms of a Stroke in Dogs

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The symptoms of a stroke in dogs vary based on the stroke’s severity and which area of the brain is affected. Because we don’t feel them, it can be hard to notice. We will look at them in three contexts: the neurological, the physical, and the behavioral symptoms.

Neurological Symptoms

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Strokes primarily affect the brain, so some of the symptoms are neurological. Disorientation is a common sign where the dog may seem confused, unaware of its surroundings, or unable to recognize familiar people or places. Seizures are another severe symptom that can occur when a stroke disrupts normal brain activity.

Neurological Symptoms (cont’d)

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Abnormal eye movements, known as nystagmus, where the eyes move rapidly left and right or up and down, are pointers of neurological impairment, too. In more severe cases, a dog may lose consciousness or become unresponsive.

Physical Symptoms

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These symptoms are one of the easiest ways humans detect changes in dogs. Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, known as hemiparesis, is a classic sign of stroke. These may manifest as a limp or dragging of one leg, difficulty walking, or a complete inability to move one side of the body.

Physical Symptoms (cont’d)

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An unsteady gait or a lack of coordination is common, too, with the dog appearing to wobble or stumble when trying to move. Alterations in posture, such as a drooping head or a tilted neck, can occur if the stroke affects the muscles responsible for maintaining balance and movement.

Behavioral Changes

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Strokes can also cause big alterations in a dog’s conduct, which may be one of the first signs that something is wrong. A normally friendly and sociable dog might suddenly become aggressive or irritable and react negatively to touch or interaction.

Behavioral Changes (cont’d)

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Confusion is a difference you may notice. Your dog might seem lost, even in familiar surroundings, or fail to recognize people it knows well. It’s also possible for lethargy or an obvious drop in energy levels to occur, with the dog showing little interest in activities it once enjoyed.

How to Respond to The Symptoms

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As with many other health problems, the earlier your dog receives medical attention, the better its chances of recovery. It’s time to hit the vet when you detect a symptom or suspect anything. The vet will confirm if it’s a stroke; if it is, they’ll know how to proceed.

Preventing Strokes

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The fight against stroke in dogs doesn’t begin when your dog is diagnosed or when you notice symptoms; it begins now. Regular checkups are the way to address such concerns. Your vet can detect warning signs and help treat your dog for any underlying disease that may bring about a stroke.

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