Strokes in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Guide
Recent advances in veterinary medicine have shown that dogs can suffer strokes more frequently than once believed. Strokes, or cerebrovascular accidents, occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing damage or impaired brain function. Thanks to modern tests, vets are better able to diagnose strokes in dogs and identify underlying causes. While concerning, many dogs recover well and can adapt if vital brain areas remain unharmed.
Understanding Strokes in Dogs: Types and Causes
A stroke occurs when the brain’s blood supply is seriously reduced or blocked, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. There are two primary types:
- Ischaemic stroke: A sudden blockage of blood flow to parts of the brain.
- Haemorrhagic stroke: Bleeding caused by a ruptured blood vessel within the brain.
Ischaemic strokes often result from health issues such as artery narrowing or clogging, kidney or heart disease, thyroid imbalances, Cushing’s disease, diabetes, or hypertension. In some cases, despite thorough testing, the exact cause remains unknown.
Haemorrhagic strokes may be caused by blood leaking into the brain or skull areas, exposure to toxins like rat poison, immune-related bleeding disorders, congenital clotting diseases, vascular inflammation, abnormal blood vessel development, or head trauma.
Recognising Stroke Symptoms in Your Dog
Dogs exhibit stroke signs differently from humans. Common symptoms include:
- Head tilt or head held at an odd angle
- Lack of balance or coordination difficulties
- Vision impairment
- Compulsive circling
- Falling over or inability to stand
Because these symptoms can overlap with other neurological disorders, urgent veterinary evaluation is essential for early and accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosing Strokes: What to Expect at the Vet
Your vet will ask detailed questions about symptom onset and perform a thorough examination. Diagnostic tests typically include:
- X-rays
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Spinal fluid analysis via spinal tap to exclude other conditions
- Blood tests and urinalysis
These procedures often require the dog to be under general anaesthetic. Imaging helps identify affected brain areas and guides the best treatment approach.
Treatment and Supportive Care
Currently, there are no treatments that directly reverse brain damage from strokes in dogs. Care focuses on managing any underlying conditions to reduce recurrence risk, such as controlling blood pressure or treating Cushing’s disease. Supportive care, including physical rehabilitation, hydration, nutrition, and comfort, plays a vital role in recovery.
Preventing Another Stroke
Addressing and monitoring underlying health problems is crucial in preventing further strokes. Regular veterinary check-ups and prompt treatment of chronic conditions help maintain optimal blood flow and brain health.
Prognosis and Living with a Dog After Stroke
Many dogs with strokes recover fully or adapt well, leading happy lives. Recovery largely depends on which brain areas were damaged and the severity of injury. Some may develop lasting neurological effects requiring ongoing care. Early diagnosis and supportive treatment improve outcomes significantly.
Additional Testing Options
Vets might use advanced diagnostics such as:
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Tissue biopsy
- Myelography — a dye-injection procedure to visualise spinal cord conditions
Essential Tips for Dog Owners
- Seek immediate veterinary help when stroke symptoms appear.
- Keep chronic conditions well managed through regular health checks.
- Ensure your dog’s environment is safe to prevent falls after symptoms develop.
- Follow your vet’s rehabilitation advice to support neurological recovery.
- Maintain proper hydration and nutrition to aid healing.
- Monitor your dog closely post-stroke for any new or worsening signs.
- Keep medications and treatments on schedule to manage underlying causes.
- Provide a calm, supportive home environment during the recovery process.
If you are considering bringing a new dog into your home or need to find additional help, always seek reputable breeders or adopt from trusted sources to support responsible ownership.
