Stroke in dogs can be a serious medical condition that requires swift medical attention. It is sometimes hard to tell what is or isn’t a stroke, so it’s important to be aware of signs and symptoms. Here’s what to know about stroke in dogs:

What Causes Strokes in Dogs?

A stroke, also known as a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), occurs when blood vessels either rupture or become blocked. If these blood vessels or arteries block blood supply in the brain, this can cause a stroke. If the blocked vessel is small, the symptoms and changes might be so minor they’re not recognized. If it’s a large blood vessel or artery, it can mean serious damage to the brain or even death.

Sometimes a blood clot can lodge in a blood vessel in the brain and is known as a thromboembolism or embolism. Strokes also may be caused by thrombocytopenia or a low platelet count. Unfortunately, most causes of stroke are unknown.

Dogs of any age and breed can experience a stroke. However, senior dogs are more likely to be affected due to underlying medical conditions. Certain breeds like Miniature Schnauzers, Greyhounds, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels seem to have a little bit of an increased risk for stroke.

What Are the Different Types of Strokes in Dogs?

There are two kinds of stroke that can occur in dogs: hemorrhagic and ischemic.

Ischemic Stroke

If a stroke is ischemic, it means that the blood supply to the brain is cut off very quickly. Certain factors, such as tumors, injury, parasites, or blood clots, have somehow cut off oxygen supply to the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

When a dog has a hemorrhagic stroke, it means an artery or blood vessel has become weak or damaged over time. This can lead to bleeding in the area and a change in blood flow. This extra bleeding is what causes localized damage to the brain. Depending on how severe and the location, this extra blood can press on brain tissue, damaging the brain.

What Are the Signs of Stroke in Dogs?

Because the signs and symptoms of stroke can sometimes be so minor, you may miss it. It can also be challenging because some of the signs and symptoms are also similar to other health conditions. Signs of stroke in dogs include:

• Quick onset of a lack of coordination and balance
• Tilting their head or walking in circles
• Strange eye movements
• Trouble standing or walking
• A loss of bodily functions, such as bladder or bowel control
• Paralysis or weakness on only one side of their body
• Confusion or disorientation
• Sudden changes in behavior
• Seizures
• Collapsing
• Blindness

These are signs and symptoms you should never ignore in your dog. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic as soon as possible.

Can a Dog Recover From a Stroke?

Depending on a veterinarian’s intervention, most dogs can recover from a stroke. The quicker you can get your dog to the vet, the better the recovery will be. Recovery time can take a few days up to weeks or even months, depending on how severe the stroke is. Some dogs might have some coordination issues that don’t resolve, but many dogs are able to return to almost normal function with proper treatment.

How is a Stroke Diagnosed in Dogs?

It can be a little tricky to diagnose a stroke in dogs because there are other diseases, such as ataxia in dogs, that can have similar symptoms to a stroke. If your vet thinks your dog is experiencing a stroke, they will run several different tests to determine what’s going on.

Your vet will begin with a physical exam of your dog and then most likely do bloodwork, blood pressure reading, X-rays, and urinalysis. Depending on what the tests reveal, your dog might be referred to a veterinarian neurologist for more advanced testing, such as an MRI.

It’s important to let your veterinarian know what happened during the possible stroke episode. Try to remember if your dog was conscious and seemed alert while it was happening. This can help your veterinarian or veterinary neurologist make a diagnosis and determine treatment.

This is just an overview of what to know about stroke in dogs. A stroke can sound like a really scary medical event, but knowing what to do can help. Making sure your dog has quick veterinarian care can do a lot to help your dog recover.