Walks in circles for no apparent reason. Holds its head tilted to one side. Turns the wrong way when called. Has difficulty balancing, standing, or walking. Experiences extreme lethargy. Has sudden problems with bladder and bowel control. Shows signs of loss of vision. Suddenly collapses. You may also notice your dog’s eyes moving rapidly from side to side as if following a moving object (nystagmus). Stroke is only one possible cause of nystagmus, but it is always a good idea to get this symptom evaluated by a vet.
Head injury or trauma. Heart disease. Diabetes. Kidney disease. Endocrine disorders, such as thyroid disease or Cushing’s disease. Brain tumors. Exposure to some types of poison. Certain parasites or tick-borne diseases, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Your vet may perform other tests, such as a spinal tap, in an effort to check for other conditions and diseases with similar symptoms. The vet will be looking for bleeding, clots, inflammation, or masses in the brain. Treat any symptoms of stroke as a medical emergency. Early medical intervention may help ensure the best possible outcome for your dog.
An ischemic stroke is associated with such conditions as diabetes, improper functioning thyroid glands, heart or kidney disease and hypertension. A hemorrhagic stroke is often due to a blood clot, hypertension, rat poisoning and compromised blood vessels. Other causes of stroke include brain tumors and head trauma. Once the condition is diagnosed as a canine stroke and the underlying cause is identified, your vet can implement a treatment plan.
Making sure your dog has a comfortable bed. Carrying your dog outside so it can go to the bathroom. Placing food and water within easy reach near your dog’s bed. Giving your dog any medication prescribed by your vet. You can also give your dog a daily massage to increase its ability to move around. Use the palm of your hand to rub its entire body.
Medications such as Amlodipine may be administered to control high blood pressure, if the stroke was caused by hypertension. Other medications may also be given, including an anti-inflammatory such as an NSAID if swelling is evident, antibiotics for a diagnosis of infection, a sedative for ataxia and disorientation, an antiemetic for vomiting and stomach distress, and anticonvulsants to control seizures. Your dog will be placed in a soft, comfortable position during treatment so that his head is not laying below the rest of his body. This position will help to promote proper blood flow.
Consider taking long lunch breaks to go and check on your dog, or work from home if you are able to. You could also ask if you can bring your dog to work.
An antiemetic for vomiting issues. An anti-inflammatory for swelling symptoms. Antibiotics for infections. Anticonvulsants to control seizures and prevent future strokes. Antiplatelet drugs similar to Plavix, an anticoagulant for long-term therapy for the prevention of blood clots. Drugs that increase the supply of blood oxygen to the brain, such propentofylline (Vivitonin).
Your vet may recommend physical therapy to help your dog regain functionality and learn to compensate for permanent physical symptoms.
