Q&A for How to Help Your Dog Through a Stroke

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  • Question
    What are the signs of a dog having a stroke?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Signs of strokes in dogs include head tilt, turning the wrong way, circling, head pressing, extreme lethargy and bladder control issues
  • Question
    Can a Maltese have a stroke?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Greyhounds are the two most susceptible breeds but all breeds could, in theory, have a stroke.
  • Question
    Will a dog recover any of his sight back?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    It depends on how long the stroke was, what kind of stroke it was, and how old your dog is. Please discuss this with your veterinarian.
  • Question
    Is there anything I can give my dog to help him sleep while he's recovering from the stroke?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    No, do not give your dog anything outside of what your vet has instructed. Try to make your dog’s favorite sleeping areas as comfortable and clean as possible to make him feel safe and ready to sleep.
  • Question
    What do you do if your dog is having a seizure?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Try to stabilize the dog by cradling the head. Talk to your dog calmly and quietly. Help them ride it out.
  • Question
    Are all strokes painful?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    It's hard to tell, but dogs can hurt themselves in the process of having a stroke, so the injury might not be direct.
  • Question
    My 11 year old Pomeranian (weight 1.7 kg) had a stroke. She really struggles to eat. What food can I give her? I want to make sure she's not malnourished.
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    You can try giving her wet dog food which has an increased palatability. You can also make her chicken and rice with eggs using chicken broth to make it smell and taste very good for her.
  • Question
    Can a dog recover from a stroke?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Yes, but it depends on the severity of the stroke and what exactly went wrong in the heart.
  • Question
    How soon should my dog to return to eating & drinking after a stroke?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    They can have food and water if they want it as soon as you get home from the vet, so long as your vet has okay’d it and given you the clear that there aren’t other underlying problems.
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