What is Stroke?
To ensure normal function, the brain requires a constant supply of blood flow. With a stroke, this constant supply is reduced or cut off in certain areas, causing symptoms such as loss of balance or blindness. With the advancement in testing and diagnostics, studies are showing that strokes in our pets are occurring more than previously thought. Breeds prone to a cerebrovascular accident are brachycephalic breeds (canines with wide, flat faces), Greyhounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Miniature Schnauzer.
Stroke in dogs is also known as a cerebrovascular accident, which means that the blood supply to the brain has suddenly been disrupted or destroyed. Stroke typically affects middle-age to geriatric dogs, but younger canines can have a cerebrovascular accident. There is no known gender disposition.
Strokes can present in a similar manner to other conditions such as idiopathic vestibular disease, inner ear infection recent toxin ingestion etc. This is one of the reasons why getting a diagnosis is key.
Stroke Average Cost
From 26 quotes ranging from $800 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,500
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Symptoms of Stroke in Dogs
The onset of acute neurological signs can indicate a cerebrovascular accident. The severity of the signs will depend upon the region of the brain where the abnormality occurred, and how long the brain was deprived of the vital oxygen and blood supply.
- Loss of balance or falling
- Circling or weaving
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Paresis (weakness of voluntary movements)
- Loss of vision
- Head tilt
- Ataxia (inability to control movements)
- Change in behavior (for example, a calm dog becomes aggressive)
- Inability to recognize owner
- Seizure
- Sudden collapse
Types
The occurrence of a stroke is broken down into two types.
- Ischemic
- There is lack of blood flow to the brain
- It is the most common type of stroke to affect dogs
- A narrowing of the artery is called thrombosis
- A clogging of the artery by material from another location is called embolism
- Hemorrhagic
- There is a presence of too much blood
- Occurs with a broken blood vessel
- Blood between the brain and skull is a subdural hemorrhage
- Blood leaking within the brain in an intraparenchymal hemorrhage
It should be noted that when symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident resolve within 24 hours, it is considered a TIA (transient ischemic attack).
Causes of Stroke in Dogs
There are many predisposing conditions that your furry family member can have that may lead to a stroke. Several are listed here.
- Thyroid gland abnormalities
- Infection in the central nervous system
- Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Protein-losing nephropathy
- Lungworm
- Head trauma
- Heart attack
- Hyperlipidemia (high concentration of fats or lipids in blood)
- Intravascular cancers
- Abnormal development of blood vessels
- Inflammation in blood vessels or arteries
- Ingestion of rodent poisoning
- Increased blood viscosity (thickening of blood)
- Kidney, liver, or heart disease
- Clogging of an artery (such as by fat, tumor, or parasites)
- Congenital clotting disease
Diagnosis of Stroke in Dogs
If your dog is showing the neurological signs consistent with a cerebrovascular accident, do not delay in bringing him to the clinic. The veterinarian team will be ready to definitively diagnose the problem and do everything they can to calm your pet, and make him more comfortable. A big part of the diagnosis will be determining the underlying cause of the stroke.
The veterinarian may begin the exam with the following questions.
- How long have you noticed a change in your dog’s behavior?
- Did the symptoms come on in an acute fashion, or gradually become more noticeable or intense with time?
- Has your pet been ill recently?
- Is your dog on any medication?
- Is is possible that your dog could have been exposed to rodent poison or any other toxin?
The best way to determine if a stroke has taken place is by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your canine companion will need to be put under general anesthetic in order to be sure of good imaging results. The MRI is the leading diagnostic tool because the veterinary specialist will be able to visualise lesions that may be present as the result of a stroke.
The veterinarian may choose to do testing before the MRI to rule out disease, or to pinpoint the cause for the stroke occurrence.
- Also under anesthetic, a spinal tap could be done to rule out diseases that present similarly to a stroke
- Retinal exams to check for instances like optic disc swelling, consistent with intracranial pressure
- Endocrine testing to look for illnesses like diabetes
- Thyroid hormone analysis
- Complete blood count and serum chemistry panel
- Blood pressure check
- Urinalysis to check urine creatinine protein ratio
- Clotting studies
- Radiograph (thoracic), CT scan or ultrasound (abdominal) to look for masses, lesions or neoplasia
Treatment of Stroke in Dogs
In the case of a severe stroke, the treatment will involve hospitalization. The veterinarian will take the best approach available in the case of a cerebrovascular accident, which will include oxygen support and intravenous therapy to reduce brain swelling. Bringing your pet back to his previous state, or as close as is possible, will be the goal. Stabilising the systems of the body is very important.
Your pet (especially if he is a large breed) may need to stay in the clinic as advised by the veterinary care team, because if the dog is not yet mobile, he will need frequent turning and possible urinary catheterization. Physical therapy could be done during the hospital stay also, to help increase mobility and keep the limbs from becoming stiff.
When the veterinarian feels that your dog is ready to leave the clinic, she will advise you about the home care.
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Recovery of Stroke in Dogs
A change in diet may be in order, based on whether there are any underlying conditions. A diet sufficient in essential fatty acids is thought to be beneficial to dogs who have had a stroke.
As your beloved canine companion recovers, you will need to be in communication with the veterinary care team who will want to be kept well informed on the progression of the recovery. If your dog does not seem to be getting better, or if symptoms are worsening, the veterinarian may want to pursue further testing.
If your dog is recumbent (lying down because he is unable yet to walk or move around), you will need to watch and listen for aspiration pneumonia, one of the greatest risks to dogs who have had a stroke. Signs you may see that will indicate this are coughing, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, rapid breathing, or difficulty in taking a breath. If you are concerned about your pet’s medical condition, do not hesitate to take him back to the clinic.
The prognosis for stroke in dogs will depend on the severity of the cerebrovascular accident. Patience, reasonable expectations, and consistent care will be necessary. Your pet may have a change in personality, and less mobility or ability to keep up his usual level of activity, but he can still have a good quality of life with your help.
Cost of Stroke in Dogs
Every dog is different, and correspondingly, each situation at the veterinarian's office is different. However, there are a few standard things that the veterinarian will charge. One of which is hospitalization for the day. During this time, the dog will be observed, and this costs $72 on average. When a stroke happens there is little to no blood carrying oxygen throughout the body and, in this case, the veterinarian may suggest using oxygen support. Oxygen support can cost between $120 and $130 per treatment. Your dog may also require intravenous therapy or fluids that will help nourish and hydrate and can cost $35 to $62. Larger dogs need more fluids and costs will be higher. Urinary catheterization is usually required if the dog is unable to move on their own and can cost $45 on average. The cost is more if sedation is needed. Your dog may require overnight observation and that can add an additional $37-$82. The veterinarian may also suggest physical therapy once released from the hospital. Physical therapists usually offer medication; laser therapy treatments, therapeutic exercise, massage, heat application, and range of motion stretching. On average you can purchase a package of 4-6 treatments for $160 to $240.
The diagnostic tests, which can include blood tests, urinalysis and imaging can be very costly, costing many hundreds or even thousands of dollars in cases where MRIs are performed.
Stroke Average Cost
From 26 quotes ranging from $800 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,500
Top
Stroke Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
American Eskimo Dog
Misho
14 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Seizures
Weakness
Walking In Circles
Wobbling
In And Out Of Consciouness
I have a 14 year old mini eskimo, very youthful, energetic and healthy. He got stung by a bee or wasp on Friday night and by Sunday he couldn't walk properly (loosing balance, walking in circles, dragging the left front paw and hind leg) took him to vet that Sunday, they ran a complete blood test, urinalysis, and fecal tests for infections, parasites etc, all came back negative, meaning no infection, parasites where present and blood test all within normal ranges with some very slightly on the higher range but vet said nothing to be concerned, however he prescribed, doxycycline (antibiotic) and prednisone (steroids). He suggested a visit to a neurologist. Took Misho to neurologist on Tuesday and physical test was looking good so neurologist suggested to finish the medication course and scheduled another visit for next Tuesday. Tuesday evening Misho had a full blown seizure and I rushed him to ER, he got anti seizure shot and spent the night at the hospital. Picked him Wednesday, he seemed weaker and disoriented for moments, somewhat like in and out of consciousness, Wednesday night he had a crying/barking anxious episode, and went back to sleep. Thursday he was still having problems walking, and disoriented and in and out of consciousness, sleeping most of the time, waking up for eating (hand fed), short walks for potty and back to sleep in my arms or bed. I massaged his legs and did gentle physical therapy on this left front and hind legs as they would stiffen up for moments (left side is unable to keep balance), Thursday evening after a potty walk out he started getting anxious and loud whimpering/crying/barking with focal seizures, rushed him again to ER where he spent the night and did MRI today (Friday). Vet cannot confirm if it was a stroke which I believe it was, or if it is hemangiosarcoma. At the moment he is spending the night at the hospital for recovery from MRI anesthesia and is on keppra (anti seizure) and prednisolone (steroid) and his long term levothyroxine.
I have the MRI report and images and I would like to get a "clearer" opinion on wether it was a stroke or hemangiosarcoma and what treatment to follow.
Neurologist says, she cannot tell which of the two is so basically Misho will be treated symptomatically, hoping that he will improve rather than decline over the next days.
July 28, 2018
0 Recommendations
If the Neurologist is unsure, it may not be a clear image but if you’re looking for a second opinion on the MRI images and the report you should contact a telemedicine company (link below) for a second opinion by a board certified Radiologist and/or Oncologist to see if they are able to shed any light on a specific diagnosis (they may come to the same differential as the Neurologist). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
http://petrays.com/services/
July 28, 2018
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Yorkshire Terrier
TOSCA
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shivers
YORKIE WAS WALKING TO THE ONESIDE.WAS SKEDULED FOR A KNEE OPERATION.DOCTOR WENT FORWARD WITH OPERATION AND SAID THAT DOG HAD A VERY BAD INNER EAR INFECTION.SO THEY TREATED WITH CORTIZONE AND ANTIBIOTICA.DID NOT GET BETTER,sO AFTER WEEK SHE GOT SO BAD DID NOT WANT TO EAT OR DRINK AND HER HEAD WAS ALOT TILTED THE OTHER WAY(NOT THE SIDE OF INNER EAR INFECTION) SO THE PUT HER ON DRIP AND ANTIBIOTIKA.IS IT A STROKE,SHE IS ON DRIP FOR 4DAYS AND NOT BETTER.THE SAY NOW WE MUST PUT HER DOWN,
July 4, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Tosca I cannot weigh in to suggest whether this is a stroke or due to another cause; you need to discuss with your Veterinarian whether it is a stroke and ask them to walk you through the symptoms and the rationale behind making a recommendation for euthanasia. I cannot make a suggestion on such a sensitive topic without an examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 5, 2018
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Yorkshire Terrier
Gunter
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Left Side Paralysis
My dog almost once a month gets left sided paralysis. Most of the time you can tell he gets scared but other times he growls at me. When these events happen, he usually wants me to hold him, but sometimes if I try to remove him from my lap or arms, he growls like he is scared for me to let him go. These episodes usually last about 30-seconds to a minute and then everything goes back to normal.
July 2, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm not sure why Gunter is having these episodes without being able to examine him, but there may be something going on that would benefit from treatment. It would be a good idea to have him examined by a veterinarian, as they can assess his nerve and muscle function and see what might be happening with him. It would be a good idea as well to video the episodes when they happen, as they may not happen when he is being looked at.
July 2, 2018
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Golden Retriever
Venus
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Head Tilt
Facial Paralysis
Left Eye Not Blinking
A few weeks ago I was given advice for Venus, a 6 year old golden, in regards to head tilt, not blinking, balance etc... Not long ago I received an email from Wag to provide recent events as a follow up for other pet owners. Unfortunately every time I try my email states delivery failure so I've posted the follow up here.
Thank you for the advice which I did follow. Monday of this week we had an appointment at the Bush Vetinary Neurology Service in Leesburg and had the full run of tests. We had an initial exam, MRI, spinal tap and blood work done for her thyroid. As it turned out the only thing noted that may or may not have been the root cause were very minor shading areas on the MRI, stated to me if it was a stroke it was very minor. End result I was given today either idiopathic or a minor stroke she will recover from over time.
I recommend anybody with unexplained issues such as this run through the tests, the local vets can only go so far with the equipment on hand. The staff at BVNS was exceptional, professional and they hold up to all promises made in their literature. They've already followed up with me several times and sent all necessary paperwork to my local vet. Thanks to your team as well with the advice given.
June 22, 2018
0 Recommendations
Thank you for the follow up on Venus’ condition, it is good to hear that the Neurologist is expecting Venus to recover over time; it can be a little frustrating getting back an idiopathic cause as we still don’t fully understand why it happened, but we’re pleased nonetheless. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 23, 2018
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Nina
9 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Walking Tenderly
Head Tilt
Hello I have Cavalier King Charles female that is almost 9 years old. 15 days ago started to have cough and seemed to be tired. A week ago after the problem continued we have been said by our vet that this is a heart problem and we started giving medication. 3 days later the dog had hematouria (blood in urine) we did several blood and urine tests (no problems found on tests) and we concluded that this was infection. We also had an ultrasound and found out that she had pain on her right kidney which was quite smaller that the left one (3.2cm vs 5cm). So we started antibiotics. Suddenly last night the dog started not to be able to get up and when she did her legs where moving up and down with no stability. After a few seconds everything was back to normal. 20 minutes later another similar episode but this time her head was turned left. We got her to the hospital but till now they have not come back to us with anything specific as they say they do not know yet what happened. They said them she had another episode during the night more severe with her being unable to stabilize her head.
Based on this information do you believe is a stroke? Do you believe is related to the heart disease? Do you think kidney problem has anything to do with heart disease? Any thoughts or recommendations?
Finally do you believe that is recoverable situation?
June 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
CKCS dogs are prone to heart disease, and depending on how severe her heart disease is, she may be having strokes. Since I can't examine her, I have a hard time determining if that is what is happening, but it is possible. Her kidney problems are probably not related to her heart disease, and are likely a separate problem. Her recovery will depend on how she responds to medication, and it seems that your veterinarian is doing a good job managing her diseases and monitoring her. I hope that she is okay.
June 17, 2018
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Stroke Average Cost
From 26 quotes ranging from $800 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,500
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
