In an episode of stroke in dogs, symptoms are similar to those in humans, and can be just as dangerous. Stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is altered or interrupted, leading to a lack of oxygen and a range of symptoms. Signs can start quietly and recur until they become more serious and noticeable, debilitating the animalTo help, Patas da Casa has put together the most common symptoms of stroke in dogs for you to be aware of. Check out the following article.

What is stroke in dogs?

Stroke is characterized by problems in the flow of blood somewhere in the body, which has been interrupted or altered and makes it difficult for oxygen and nutrients to reach the brain. Causes range from emboli of bacteria or fat, as well as blood clots and hemorrhages that cause damage to the blood vessels responsible for supplying the brain.It is usually related to some pre-existing problem, such as:

• Canine Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Kidney Disease in Dogs
• Hyperadrenocorticism
• Heart disease in dogs
• Cancer in Dogs
• Hypothyroidism in dogs
• Tick-borne disease

1) Stroke in dogs: symptoms range from involuntary movements to partial paralysis

How to identify a stroke in a dog is not very difficult. The classic symptoms are the dog walking in circles or one with partial paralysis. Another common sign is nystagmus, which is when the dog has involuntary eye movement. He may also suffer loss of movement and lethargy.

2) Spill in dog causes mental confusion and aggression

It is also very common for a dog with a stroke to have mental confusion and at these times they start chasing their tails, don't understand your calls and stay awake for long periods in one position. They also lose their reflexes and can be aggressive to touch. Dogs pressing their heads against the wall is another recurring sign of stroke in dogs.

3) Apathy, fainting and limpness are some of the symptoms of stroke in dogs

A dog that is quiet and not eating is never a good sign, and here it could not be different. Some dogs with stroke also show apathy, limpness and lack of appetite. Logically this triggers other problems, such as vomiting, and in more serious cases, fainting.

4) In the case of stroke in a dog, symptoms such as difficulty balancing and falls are common

These are the most serious symptoms and the ones that most worry the guardians. Here it is impossible not to notice that something is wrong, because a dog with difficulties to balance is a very serious sign. At this stage he tends to have a head tilt that hangs to one side. And dogs that can't walk properly also result in falls and injuries.

5) Stroke in dog also causes loss of control of urine and feces

Mental confusion happens in several ways and in addition to inappropriate behavior and lack of memory, the dog with stroke also loses control of urine and feces. This is a complicated symptom, as it is difficult for him who does not understand what is happening. At these times, it is essential for the tutor to remain calm and run after treatment.

6) In dog stroke, seizure symptoms can also happen

Seizure in a dog is also a sign of stroke, so: drooling, trembling, stiff-legged and lying down urinating are signs of a seizure that it is good to be alert for.

7) Stroke in dogs, when severe, can result in loss of vision.

A worrying sequelae of stroke in dogs is the sudden loss of vision. It starts quietly, with the dog bumping into furniture and showing changes in behaviour. Then the changes in vision occur, which becomes slightly whitish. The good news is that if the guardian promptly seeks treatment, it is possible to reverse the condition of blindness in dogs.

Symptoms of stroke in dogs are confused with other diseases

Symptoms vary and are easily confused with other diseases, such as Labyrinthitis in dogs, Canine Infectious Hepatitis and even Brain Tumor. To resolve possible doubts and seek the correct treatment, the ideal is to always seek veterinary assistance upon symptoms. Blood and urine tests, as well as MRI, CT, X-ray to rule out other diseases.diseases, electrocardiogram and transcranial ultrasound are requested to close the diagnosis.

Stroke treatment in dogs: symptoms show root of the problem

Once the diagnosis of canine stroke is made, the animal is hospitalized and monitored, undergoing treatment that seeks to prevent further episodes. In this phase, blood glucose is maintained, anticonvulsants are applied and in more severe cases oxygen is offered. Medication also involves anti-inflammatory and B vitamins.

The treatment depends on the cause of the stroke and aims to take care of the problem in order to stop further strokes. So if the reason for the stroke is heart, kidney or thyroid disease, the therapy of these pathologies is intensified. The improvement of the dog also depends on the degree of the root disease and in cases of sequelae, physiotherapy for dogs is recommended.

Prevention of stroke in dogs: symptoms leave sequelae

Any breed of dog can suffer a stroke, from the German Shepherd to the Vira-Lata, so it is important to prevent stroke in dogs. Taking care of underlying diseases is essential, so if the dog suffers from hypertension or diabetes, pay extra attention. However, stroke cases are also common due to intoxication from some cleaning products (with high concentrations of sulfuric acid, ammonia, sodium and chlorine), which mustBe aware of toxic plants for dogs and know that forbidden dog food can also trigger an episode of stroke due to intoxication, so stay alert!