🧠 Vascular Accidents (Strokes) in Dogs and Cats: A 2025 Vet Guide to Brain Circulation Disorders 🐶🐱

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

When we hear the word “stroke,” we often think of humans — but dogs and cats can suffer from vascular accidents too. These sudden events disrupt blood flow in the brain and can lead to a wide range of symptoms. Understanding what strokes look like in pets, and how they differ from other neurologic conditions, is key to quick action and better outcomes. 🩺🐾

🚫 Not All “Strokes” Are Strokes: Vestibular Disease vs. Stroke

If your pet suddenly develops a head tilt, eye darting, and falling, it might not be a stroke at all — it could be vestibular disease, a condition often mistaken for a stroke. Vestibular signs typically stem from the inner ear or brainstem and are usually unrelated to vascular issues. 🌀

🧬 What Is a Vascular Accident in Pets?

A vascular accident (or stroke) occurs when part of the brain loses its blood supply, leading to nerve damage. This can be caused by:

• 🧱 Blood clots (thrombosis or embolism)
• 💉 Bleeding (hemorrhage)
• 🔥 Vessel inflammation or spasm
• 🧠 Tumors or trauma disrupting circulation

The result? Brain tissue dies or becomes injured due to oxygen deprivation, and neurologic symptoms appear suddenly. Symptoms vary based on the area of the brain affected. ⏱️

🧠 Symptoms Based on Brain Region

📍 Telencephalon (Cerebrum)

• 🧍 Circling
• 🚪 Head pressing
• 💤 Mental dullness
• 📉 Loss of sensation or vision on one side
• ⚡ Seizures

📍 Thalamus or Midbrain

• 👀 Crossed eyes
• 🔄 Eye flicking (nystagmus)
• 🎯 Posture or balance loss

📍 Cerebellum

• 🌀 Head tilt or twisting
• 🦵 Misjudging step distances
• 🎯 Intention tremors
• 🧍 Drunken gait

📍 Brainstem (Pons/Medulla)

• 😴 Altered consciousness
• 🐾 Weakness in all four limbs
• 💥 Facial nerve dysfunction
• 🌀 Vestibular signs

⚠️ Stroke Risk Factors in Pets

🐶 Dogs

• 🧠 Cushing's disease
• 🩺 High blood pressure
• 💔 Chronic kidney failure
• 🪱 Heartworm disease (rare, via aberrant migration)
• 💊 Phenylpropanolamine (for incontinence)
• 🧬 Hyperlipidemia (especially in Miniature Schnauzers)

🐱 Cats

• 🧠 Hyperthyroidism
• ❤️ Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• 🩺 Kidney disease
• 🍬 Diabetes mellitus
• 🪱 Cuterebra or heartworm migration

🔍 Diagnosing a Stroke in Pets

Symptoms usually start suddenly, progress for 24–72 hours, then stabilize or slowly improve. 📈

🧪 Diagnostic Steps:

• 🩸 Bloodwork and urinalysis
• 🧪 Blood pressure measurement
• 🧠 MRI (best choice) or CT scan
• 🧬 Thromboelastography (TEG) blood clotting test

Radiographs are not effective for diagnosing brain injuries. 🛑

💊 Treatment for Vascular Accidents

There’s no single drug to “cure” strokes in pets — treatment is supportive and focuses on recovery. 🧠🛌

Core Management:

• 🧪 Control blood pressure or clotting issues
• 💊 Manage seizures if present
• 💨 Ensure oxygen delivery to the brain
• 🛌 Nursing care (feeding tube, bladder care, mobility support)

Other Therapies:

• 💊 Amlodipine (calcium channel blocker) early post-event
• 🌿 SAMe (antioxidant support – theoretical benefit)
• 🌬️ Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (if available)

🔄 Recovery & Prognosis

Most pets stabilize within 72 hours, and recovery may continue over days to weeks. 🕒

👍 Good Prognosis If:

• 🧪 No severe underlying disease
• 🏥 Supportive care starts early
• ⚖️ Symptoms plateau or improve within 3 days

⚠️ Poorer Prognosis If:

• 🧬 Stroke was caused by cancer or severe disease
• 🔁 Recurring strokes occur

🧠 Neurology Referrals and Rehab

📌 Ask your vet about referring to a veterinary neurologist or physiotherapist for:

• 🧠 Advanced imaging
• 🚶 Physical therapy or mobility aids
• 🧍 Balance and strength retraining

📱 Get Help from Ask A Vet

Recovery after stroke requires home support and early vet care. The Ask A Vet App can help you:

• 📋 Track neurologic changes and symptoms
• 📅 Schedule vet follow-ups and medication reminders
• 💬 Chat with licensed vets anytime for guidance

Visit AskAVet.com to support your pet’s recovery. 🐶🐱❤️

🧠 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Strokes in dogs and cats can be frightening, but many pets recover remarkably well with proper care. Recognize the signs, act quickly, and provide supportive therapy. 🧠💪

Whether your pet is recovering or you need guidance on diagnostics, Ask A Vet is here to help. 🩺🐾