Strokes in Dogs: An Overview

A stroke is the sudden and severe rupture or blockage of a blood vessel that deprives part of the brain of its normal blood supply, causing loss of consciousness, paralysis and other clinical signs. The brain requires a significant supply of oxygen and glucose to function properly, but it has minimal space for storage of these substances. As a result, it is extremely important for the brain to have a constant blood supply, because oxygen

Causes of Strokes in Dogs

A “stroke” is the sudden and severe attack or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain that deprives parts of the brain of their normal blood supply, causing loss of consciousness, paralysis and perhaps other symptoms depending upon the site and extent of the brain damage. In dogs, strokes occur when the normal blood supply to the brain has been compromised, and they occur rarely. The effects of a “stroke” are caused by the

Symptoms of Stroke in Dogs

The effects of a stroke are caused by lack of sufficient oxygen delivery to the brain. Two types of strokes occur in dogs: ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is compromised, and the brain becomes deprived of oxygen, glucose and other essential nutrients. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel inside the brain bursts, causing abnormal intracranial bleeding. Regardless of the underlying cause, the symptoms

Diagnosing a Stroke in Dogs

It was once thought that dogs did not have strokes. However, as veterinary science advanced, it became apparent that dogs indeed do experience strokes, in much the same way as people do. The signs of stroke in dogs are different from those in people, and in many cases canine strokes are confused with other brain disorders. Because the signs of stroke in dogs are so similar to those of other neurological disorders, veterinarians normally need

Treating Strokes in Dogs

Dogs suffering from a stroke need immediate veterinarian attention. The goals of therapy are to minimize brain swelling (reduce intracranial pressure) and associated tissue damage, maximize oxygen delivery to the brain, treat any identifiable cause of the stroke and rehabilitate the dog physically. Once the cause of the stroke is determined, the treatment protocol can be determined as well. Early diagnosis and treatment dramatically enhance the outlook for a full recovery.The most important form of

Living With a Dog That Has Had a Stroke

If your dog has had a stroke, you probably are feeling traumatized by the experience. You also are probably anticipating the possibility of a stroke happening again, and wondering what that might mean. Depending upon how well your dog has recovered from its stroke, you may or may not need to provide long-term supportive care at home. If your dog has recently had a stroke, or if you are living with a dog that has