Some signs of a stroke in dogs include a head tilt, circling, loss of balance, and unusual eye movements. If you think that your dog is having a stroke, don't delay getting them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment is mostly supportive, and it's important to treat any underlying causes.
In the case of a stroke, your pet's brain sends incorrect signals to their body. For example, your pet may not be able to respond to your spoken directions. Instead, he may move in a directionless fashion and seem to be walking in circles. He may appear as though he is drunk and be unable to walk in a straight line.
Strokes on the left side of the brain increased the chances of survival after 30 days 16-fold compared to strokes on the right. The mean survival time for a left-sided stroke was 602 days, compared to just 24 days for right-sided strokes.
The thought of your pet suffering a stroke may be frightening – but you should not be alarmed – strokes in dogs and cats are often not as debilitating as they are in people. With appropriate care, your pet may recover very well.
The good news is that most dogs who suffer a stroke will be able to resume their normal lives again. However, there are some cases where a severe stroke leads to long-term mobility difficulties or even behavioral changes. For these dogs, physical therapy can help them learn how to walk again.
“Dogs can recover from strokes. Some dogs worsen over the initial 24-72 hours and then we begin to see signs of recovery. In general we expect dogs that are improving in the first three to five days to have a good recovery within four to six weeks' time, some with residual deficits but still a good quality of life.”
Behavior Changes
Some dogs will become restless, wandering the house and seeming unable to settle or get comfortable. Others will be abnormally still and may even be unresponsive. Your dog's sleeping patterns may change. He may become cranky and difficult to handle, either due to pain or disorientation.
Stroke impacts the brain, and the brain controls our behavior and emotions. You or your loved one may experience feelings of irritability, forgetfulness, carelessness or confusion. Feelings of anger, anxiety or depression are also common.
A common condition in older dogs that is often confused with a stroke is called vestibular disease. Also referred to as 'old dog vestibular syndrome' or 'canine idiopathic vestibular syndrome', this disease can mimic the signs of a stroke.
It's normal for dogs to pant, especially when they're hot, excited, or energetic. Heavy panting is different, though, and may be a sign your dog is dangerously overheated, coping with a chronic health problem, or has experienced a life-threatening trauma.
Potential causes include inner/middle ear infections, intoxication, strokes, tumors, infectious or inflammatory diseases (meningitis), idiopathic vestibular disease (also called “old dog” vestibular syndrome), or other less likely causes.
Symptoms of strokes in dogs can include: Inability to walk or walking with an uncoordinated gait. Head tilt. Abnormal eye movements, side to side or rotary (nystagmus)
Old-dog vestibular disease has many causes, whereas a stroke only has two causes. Old-dog vestibular disease resolves itself within a few days, whereas a stroke can be permanent. Old-dog vestibular disease is not fatal, whereas a stroke can be fatal.
With the latter, especially, a dog may leap after a tennis ball, yelp with pain and immediately have difficulty walking. This can occur in dogs of all ages. Signs of a stroke can be subtle but may also include head tilt, circling, weakness, paralysis of one or more limbs, loss of urine or bowel control and collapse.
Extreme Fatigue or Loss of Energy
Typically, a dying dog will lie in one place without moving around very much. This place may be a quiet corner of your home or somewhere secluded, and it may not be a spot where they usually lie. Your dog might not even have enough energy to lift their head.
If your dog died unexpectedly at home, you can contact your veterinarian for advice, but it's probably easier to go directly to a pet cemetary or a crematorium. Either way, you'll have to transport your pet to their facility.
Signs Your Dog May Be Ready to Say Goodbye
Labored breathing. Lack of appetite. Lack of Mobility or Extreme Lethargy. Crying or intense whining.
Some dogs develop an unquenchable thirst following an acute stroke. It is important that they have water, but you might need to limit the amount. Your dog may not stop drinking as long as the water is in front of them, so allow them to drink a few swallows at a time and remove the water.
“The only way to diagnose a stroke is with an MRI of the brain,” Dr. Singler explains. If your pup has a seizure or any sudden changes in their alertness, mobility, balance or behavior, take them to the vet's office as soon as possible.
Vestibular disease is the main reason why an older dog may experience a sudden loss of balance and an inability to stand or walk normally. How can you tell if a dog has a vestibular disease? A few of the signs include dizziness, stumbling or wobbly steps, and falling over.
Lethargy can be a hard sign to notice, especially if your dog requires a lot of rest normally. Your pet may not be sleeping, it is common for a dog to faint or lose conscious after a stroke. Extreme changes in a dog's behavior such as sleepiness or an inability to wake your dog, mean it's time to take them to the vets.
Most dogs will recover from a stroke, but whether they do or not will depend on where in the brain the stroke occurred. The prognosis and likelihood of another stroke depends on the cause and whether it can be treated.
Some of the most common reasons for your dog's shaking & shivering are cold, excitement, stress & anxiety, seeking attention, pain or illness, and old age.