What is a stroke? A stroke is caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain, often from a blood clot. Strokes are also known as vascular accidents.
“It is understood that the incidence of cerebrovascular accidents in cats and dogs is significantly lower when compared with the high incidence of strokes in the human population (approximately 795,000 individuals affected in the USA per year).” said Dr. D Whittaker.
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Can Cats Have Strokes
Strokes in cats are not as common as in people. Even though they are considered rare, they require immediate veterinary attention. If you are away from home for work or long periods of time a smart pet camera such as the Petcube Camera is recommended to keep an eye on your beloved cat, especially if you have noticed any unusual behaviour.
Studies have not shown that strokes affect a particular breed, gender or age group of cats. Research has shown that common underlying diseases such as hyperthyroidism, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and chronic kidney failure can be the cause of a stroke occurring in a cat.
Cat Stroke Symptoms
Symptoms will vary depending on which area of the brain has been affected. Some symptoms to look out for are:
- Change in mental alertness
- Stumbling
- Sudden onset of weakness or collapse
- Head pressing (pressing head against inanimate objects)
- Leaning to one side consistently as if off balance, or walking in a circle
- Pupil sizes that differ or crossed eyes
- Muscle spasms
- Yowling in pain
- Coma
Any of the symptoms mentioned above can be indicative of other diseases and not only of vascular accidents.
Dr. W Brooks says: “The pet with sudden neurologic symptoms could very well be a victim of a vascular accident but may also have suffered some other condition such as head trauma, metabolic disease, poisoning, cancer or even infection or inflammation.”
Cat Stroke Recovery
When any of the above symptoms are witnessed it is important to take your cat to your veterinarian immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential for your feline. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough neurological and physical examination. Further tests may need to be performed such as blood chemistry, haematology, urine tests and/or radiographs to rule out trauma.
All of this can add up very quickly, that is why it is important to have an Petcube’s Emergency Fund for your pet. This way your budget will not limit your treatment options, and you will be able to do what is best for your furry friend. If a stroke is diagnosed your veterinarian may refer your cat to a specialist veterinary centre to receive the best possible care and the best chance for recovery. Treatment of vascular accidents focuses on supportive care and differs from case to case. It may involve fluid therapy, oxygen therapy, anti-seizure medication and nutritional support.
Conclusion
There are various other diseases that can cause the above-mentioned symptoms.
Your veterinarian will take all the symptoms into account and determine the best treatment plan for your pet to alleviate the symptoms and treat the cause if that can be determined. Recovery is unfortunately slow and often only partial.
Dr. T Johnson said “Even though my patients are spared the misery of heart attacks, blood clots are still a huge problem that is largely unrecognised by most pet parents. If blood decides to solidify and stop flowing, bad things happen.”
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