Strokes are caused when blood does not flow properly to parts of the brain due to a blocked artery or a ruptured blood vessel. In comparison to humans, symptoms of stroke in dogs are very different. In humans, symptoms usually include deformity of the face or extremities. This symptom does not appear in dog stroke cases. Symptoms of stroke in dogs are usually behavioral and depend on the part of the brain that is affected.
-
Abnormal Movement
-
Your dog may seem unbalanced when completing certain movements. He may walk in circles or seem wobbly while moving. He may start running rapidly back and forth. He may appear unbalanced and fall down suddenly for no reason. You may notice that he continually tilts his head to one side.
Lethargy and Depression
-
A dog suffering from a stroke may seem excessively tired. He may refuse to participate in normal activities, such as exercise and play. He may move slowly and appear lethargic. You may notice that he seems depressed and withdrawn. He may not interact with you or respond to stimulation.
Blindness
-
A stroke can cause impaired vision or complete blindness. You may notice that your dog bumps into things while moving. He may seem disoriented and unsure of his surroundings. Also, he may not look directly at you when you call him.
Behavioral Changes
-
Any abrupt changes in your dog's behavior can signal a stroke. Some behavioral changes include only eating out of one side of his bowl, not responding to your voice, turning the wrong way when you call him. There are other changes that will vary depending on the normal behavior of your dog. It's best to monitor his actions and take note of any abnormal behavior that begins suddenly.
Incontinence
-
A stroke can cause your dog to urinate or defecate uncontrollably. The loss of normal bladder and bowel functions can be sudden, causing your dog to have accidents in the house. Losing control over body functions can signal that the part of the brain that controls those functions is not receiving blood properly.
-