As in humans, a stroke or vascular accident occurs in dogs when a mass of blood cells known as a blood clot forms in some part of the body like the heart or a leg and then breaks free. The clot then becomes lodged in a blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the dog's brain. Strokes in canines require emergency veterinary attention to reduce the risk of permanent brain damage or death, making it important to recognize the symptoms of the condition.
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Sensory
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A dog's eyes will often show signs of a stroke, reports Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. You may notice that your dog's eyes are crossed suddenly or that they are moving back and forth repeatedly without stopping. A dog's eye reflexes may also become affected by the stroke, causing excessive or infrequent blinking. In some cases, canine stroke also causes reduced sensations on one side of the nose, making it difficult for a dog to smell or respond to a touch upon its snout.
Motor
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Strokes may also disrupt a dog's motor functioning, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Some dogs experience weakness or heaviness in one or all legs. You may notice your dog staggering about as if intoxicated or favoring one of its paws. A vascular accident has the potential to cause your dog to misjudge its steps leading to an odd or irregular gait.
Neurological
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Neurological or nervous system side effects may also occur during a canine stroke, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Some dogs become less alert or lose consciousness completely. Tremors or shaking may also occur when a dog tries to complete an intentional movement like eating or drinking. Seizures are also possible during a canine stroke and cause symptoms like falling down, paddling movements with the limbs, excessive salivation, urination and defecation, reports Washington State University.
Behavior
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Dog may also exhibit abnormal behaviors during a stroke. One possible sign is walking in circles in the direction toward the side of the brain where the stroke occurred. Dogs may also keep their head tilted to the affected side while walking, sitting or laying down. Another behavioral symptom of canine stroke is head pressing or continuously putting its ahead against a wall or other object, according to PetMD.
Clinical Signs
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Veterinarians frequently observe elevated blood pressure levels in dogs that have suffered a stroke. Additionally, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, a diagnostic imaging test known as a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) typically reveals a dark spot or region where the blood clot or damaged areas of the dog's brain appear.
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