Recognizing the symptoms of a canine stroke can activate a timely treatment plan that can lead to a favorable prognosis. Once thought to be a rare event, canine strokes are being diagnosed more frequently and accurately. That's true thanks to advanced technology. Observing one or more of these symptoms indicates a thorough evaluation of the dog is necessary. There are two types of strokes that affect dogs: ischemic (resulting from a sudden lack of blood to the brain) and hemorrhagic (which is caused by a blood vessel rupturing in the brain). These symptoms may also reflect the type of stroke and the affected area of the brain.
Head Tilt
Medically defined as the abnormal position of the head in which one ear is lower than the other, head tilt is often the first noticeable symptom of a canine stroke. Although head tilt is not specific to strokes, a prompt diagnosis may be achieved with brain scans.
Loss of Balance
Symptoms of a canine stroke are manifested according to the location of the affected part of the brain. A loss of balance, often described as a drunken stagger, means that the cerebral cortex or cerebellum has suffered a cessation of blood circulation
Lethargy
Since a stroke may cause weakness in all the extremities, this may at first appear to be lethargy. If the dog is unable, rather than unwilling to stand and move, a diagnosis of stroke may be forthcoming.
Blindness
Depending on the location of the stroke in the brain, blindness may result. This symptom may be reversed if the cause of stroke is an obstruction to the optic nerve and if the part of the brain regulating eyesight isn't permanently damaged.
Abrupt Change in Behavior
If the dog doesn't respond when called--or if the pet suddenly appears confused when asked to perform a simple command--a stroke may have occurred. The dog may be unable to recognize the speech patterns of the owner or become disoriented in the home or yard.
Loss of Bowel and Bladder Control
Since the complex system of communication between the brain and the rest of the body is affected with a stroke, the dog may not sense the need to urinate or defecate. The body will therefore perform these functions without conscious control.
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