Can Dogs Suffer from Strokes? Learn the Facts!

Today's article is all about a topic that might not be so common, but is incredibly important: canine strokes.

What is a stroke, you ask?

In simple terms, a stroke occurs when there is a disruption in the flow of blood to the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen in brain cells and a host of terrifying consequences.

Canine strokes are quite similar to human strokes, with the most common types being ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic strokes happen when a part of the brain's blood vessels becomes blocked. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing a sudden spike in blood pressure and compressing nerves.

Whichever type of stroke it is, the result is the same: brain cells are starved of oxygen, leading to damage or even death. For both humans and dogs, ischemic strokes are the most common.

There's also a unique type of stroke in dogs known as Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE), often referred to as "spinal stroke" in our country. This occurs when a piece of fibrocartilage in the spine breaks off and blocks a blood vessel, ultimately leading to a stroke due to brain缺氧.

Now, you might wonder, what's the connection between the spine and the brain? Well, poor posture can lead to increasingly tired feelings, and that's because the blood supply to the spine is directly linked to the brain.

But here's a crucial question: why is the time for stroke recovery so precious?

As mentioned earlier, the sooner the stroke is treated, the less damage there is to brain cells, and the lower the chance of leaving behind any lasting effects.

Just like in humans, if a dog experiences a stroke, it needs to be rushed to the hospital for professional care. There's no time for homemade remedies; every second counts.

Now, what are the signs of a stroke? The truth is, stroke symptoms can be elusive, almost nonexistent. So, the best way to prevent canine strokes is through regular checks, starting with the dog's gums.

That's right, the gums can be a direct indicator of a dog's internal blood and oxygen supply issues.

Finally, what are the potential consequences of a stroke?

Loss of balance

Head tilt or facial paralysis (facial asymmetry)

Abnormal eye movements

Abnormal facial expressions

Visual impairment

Loss of control over the bladder and bowels

Vomiting

Paralysis of one or more limbs

So, as we interact with our dogs daily, beyond the simple act of petting them, we should also develop a habit of regular checks. For instance, the aforementioned gum check is something any owner can do on their own.

Especially for older dogs, it's important to show more care than just feeding them. This means more interaction and more brainstimulating games. Why brainstimulating games? Because they can promote blood flow and circulation in the brain, reducing the risk of strokes.