What is Stroke?
Strokes in cats can be either ischemic (the blood supply is cut off) or hemorrhagic (blood is leaked out into the brain). Blood vessel blockages often occur because materials have broken off elsewhere in the body and become stuck in the veins or arteries leading to the brain. Blood clotting problems can also create obstructions of blood to the brain. Trauma from injury may lead to the rupturing of blood vessels, allowing them to bleed out into the cranial area. Both genders seem to be affected by strokes equally. A stroke is a medical emergency and immediate veterinary care should be sought.
The brain of all mammals needs constant and consistent blood flow to operate properly. When a rupture or obstruction decreases the amount of blood supply to the brain, this depletes the brain's oxygen levels and leads to brain damage. In cats, this occurrence is often referred to as a Feline Ischemic Encephalopathy (FIE), or a stroke. It was long thought that cats did not experience strokes, however, advances in medicine have made it very clear that feline strokes do happen and are not uncommon. However, they can be over diagnosed by owners and it is important a cat is seen by a veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis.
Stroke Average Cost
From 238 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
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Symptoms of Stroke in Cats
The signs of a stroke happening in a cat differ greatly from symptoms commonly noticed during a stroke in a human. Symptoms will rapidly manifest, with conditions holding steady after 24 hours. Signs to watch for are listed as follows:
- Loss of balance
- Ataxia (unbalanced gait)
- Circling
- Confusion
- Depression
- Head tilting
- Aggression
- Fearfulness
- Behavioral changes
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Loss of vision
Causes of Stroke in Cats
For a number of reasons, strokes happen more often in outdoor cats during the summer. There are many underlying diseases that increase a cat's risk of stroke including:
- Trauma to the head
- Trauma to the body that dislodges fat or cartilage parts
- Genetic defects
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney failure
- Diabetes
- Parasitic infection
- Ingestion of toxins
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypertension
- Hyperadrenocorticism
Diagnosis of Stroke in Cats
If you suspect your cat is exhibiting signs of a stroke, take it to a veterinary clinic or animal hospital at once. Be sure to provide the veterinarian with your cat's full medical history to assist in identifying possible underlying causes of the stroke. If your cat has suffered significant trauma from an injury, multiple life-threatening problems may need to be addressed at once to stabilize the animal. The veterinarian will perform a physical examination, checking for other injuries, enlargement of organs and other symptoms that may be present.
Full blood work including a complete blood count and a biochemical profile will be needed to assess the cat's condition and identify potential underlying problems. Urinalysis can help reveal issues with the kidneys or the liver. Thyroid levels in the blood should be measured to see if hormonal disorders exist. Blood pressure must be measured. For a complete diagnosis, a CT scan or MRI will be needed to get a close and clear view of the compromised blood vessels. This may not be available in some areas. If a parasitic infection is suspected, a fecal sample may be collected for microscopic examination.
Treatment of Stroke in Cats
The cat may need to be kept for observation to watch for possible signs of a second stroke occurring. If an underlying cause has been diagnosed, further treatment is generally required to address the issue.
Supportive Care
During the stroke and in the hours that follow, keeping the cat's condition stable can greatly affect the outcome of a stroke in a cat. This may involve administering intravenous fluids and giving anti-inflammatory medications to the cat. Hospitalization is required for this process. The goal is to keep the cat as comfortable as possible to promote healing.
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Recovery of Stroke in Cats
The prognosis of a cat who has experienced a stroke will vary depending on the primary issue that has caused the event to happen. Many health issues such as heart or liver disease, hyperthyroidism and diabetes will require life-long treatments. Kidney failure can carry a very guarded prognosis. Long-term medication prescriptions may be needed and the costs can add up. Any damage to the brain that has taken place in the first 24 hours is often permanent. If a vital area of the brain has been destroyed, the cat may need to be euthanized.
If the stroke has been identified and treated quickly, there is a good chance of a full recovery taking place. It may be best to keep your cat indoors to lower the chance of injury or parasite and poison exposure. Ensure all toxic materials are kept out of your cat's reach within the home. The recovery process may take a prolonged period of time and include a lot of vigorous physiotherapy and ongoing at-home care.
Stroke Average Cost
From 238 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
Top
Stroke Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Unknown
Winnie
16 Years
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Circling
Confused
Stress
Balance
My 16 year old cat had a stroke about 2 weeks ago. My vet gave her a cortison injection the day after, when I noticed she started walking in circles. For about a week she seemed better, but after that she started circling again. Yesterday he gave her another injection, along with antibiotics and a vitamine injection. But the circling has worsened, lasting longer and more frequent since her last injections.
During these circling periods she meows a lot louder than usual and I feel she is in pain and stress. I'm in serious doubt right now as to what to do. My vet told me that there is nothing else we can do, if these injections don't work. I know she's already old and nearing the end. Should I wait and see if she gets better or should I, with pain in my heart, have her put down?
THANKS for the advice!
July 3, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Winnie myself I wouldn’t want to make any recommendation as final as euthanasia, this is a decision for you to make based on how you feel Winnie is coping and whether or not she is improving. Waiting a few days is normal, but you need to make sure she is comfortable and not in pain or the pain is well managed; have a think about her quality of life and any recommendations made by your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 4, 2018
we prayed for our neighbor cat that circled terribly crashed into walls and no eating hardly at all for a whole month(a spider had bit him on the forehead) he was fine, completely normal even caught mice for another 2 years. just prayed for your cat.
July 4, 2018
62Betcha ..
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mixed
Smooshy
7 Months
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Balance
Falls To One Side
What can I help my who I think had a stroke? She's eating and drinking. She does purr and trys to act as if everything is o.k. She was fine when I left for work and when I came home she was walking funny.
June 27, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Without seeing Smooshy, I can't tell what might be going on with her, but it is uncommon to have a stroke at 7 months. It would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as she may have something happening that needs medical therapy.
June 27, 2018
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Domestic long hair
Max
6 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Doesnt Recognize Me Or Food
My cat may have suffered a stroke. We went to the neurologist yesterday and she believes it may have been. All his bloodwork was normal and intermittently he is perfectly normal. He began to be fine after 23 hours of having the supposed stroke. The neurologist said to watch him and hopefully it won't happen again. My question is the if indeed it was a stroke how long before the intermittent symptoms ( not recognizing me, food etc) last? If this isn't a stroke do you have any thoughts on these symptoms? They are the only symptoms that happened. For the first 23 hours he hid and was totally blank. Now he's not totally blank just doesn't recognize me or food and is occasionally frightened. The neurologist couldn't guess and didn't recommend further testing until/unless his symptoms get worse or return for a prolonged period. In beside myself
June 13, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
If Max had a stroke, which your specialist feels that he did, he should gradually get better and regain the functions that he had before the event. I would agree with your veterinarian, that time may heal his problems, and if they are not improving, perhaps an MRI is the next step for him.
June 14, 2018
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Domestic long hair
Max
6 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Unable To Recognize Me
Unable To Recognize Me Or Food
Myi believe my cat had a stroke. All of a sudden he didn't recognize me and couldn't follow my finger with his eyes.for about a week prior he was occasionally staring blankly. I had a vet come to my house and didn't think anything was wrong. I insisted on bloodwork and are waiting on results. I have am appointment with a neorologists tomorrow and am wondering what to do while I wait. He played a bit in the middle of the night but still doesn't seem to recognize much. We've been outside and he's eating drinking and using the litter box. I believe he lost 5 lbs in 1 week but vet said his skin would say if that was the case. What do I do other than rest food and comfort while were waiting ?
June 10, 2018
0 Recommendations
You shouldn’t really do anything different before visiting the Neurologist, you don’t want any medication to mask or alter any symptoms which may result in a skewed diagnosis; just continue as normal as your appointment is tomorrow and see what the Neurologist says. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 11, 2018
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American short
Batts
5 Weeks
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Right Side Weakness And Head Tilt
I have a five week old kitten that out of the blue he developed some of these symptoms but not all three days ago. The first night we didn't think he'd make it, two days later he is still weak in the right side but has started to eat and drink. I've supplemented kitten formula because his mother will not feed him and i can't let him go to his new home due to him being special needs now. Is he out if the woods yet, or should I still be fearful that he may pass at any moment. I can give video of how far he's come. I can't afford the vet I go to since they've over charged for previous care of my furbabies to be fixed.
June 4, 2018
0 Recommendations
The symptoms that Batts is presenting with many be attributable to a few conditions including vestibular disorders, inner ear infection, head trauma, developmental disorders (cerebellar hypoplasia) among other causes; without examining Batts I cannot give you a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment. You should ensure that Batts continues to receive kitten milk replacer and is kept warm, you should try to visit a Veterinarian regardless which may include visiting a charity clinic. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 5, 2018
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American Tabby
Tigger
17 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Paralysis
Loss Of Balance
This morning she was fine laying on our bed and then suddenly this afternoon I seen her on the floor confused and unable to stand or walk. Very unbalanced and falls on her right side. Was unable to use her rear leg or front right. I have been watching her and it's been about 2 hrs since this happened, is able to eat a cpl treats, and get up on her hind legs (still wobbly) but still has a a dead front leg..unable to use it at all. Meows for me and she quiets down when she hears my voice. But trying to figure out if she had a TIA? Any help would be great.
Stroke Average Cost
From 238 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
