What stroke looks like in cats

Since 2013, she has worked at VCST MRI for animals as an MRI diagnostic physician.

Stroke in cats – symptoms and treatment

Many diseases in cats, are similar to human diseases. Unlike humans, cats do not deposit cholesterol plaques, but cats are not immune to stroke. In the clinical practice of veterinarians, stroke is diagnosed in older animals . If not treated in a timely manner, the animal dies.

In order to timely notice changes in the animal's body during a stroke, it is necessary to know the causes and clearly identify the first symptoms of the pathology. This will allow you to provide the necessary assistance to the pet and allow you to avoid the sad consequences.

Stroke is defined as a condition in which the supply of essential oxygen to the brain is drastically reduced. As a result of the pathological change, hypoxia (oxygen starvation) occurs, functional features of the central nervous system are disrupted, and brain cells die.

Types of stroke and causes of stroke in cats

Stroke in cats is divided into two main types – hemorrhagic and ischemic. The first type of stroke is characterized by a rupture of a blood vessel and subsequent hemorrhage that occurs when the blood flow in the brain is reduced or disrupted.

The ischemic form of stroke in cats is characterized by a blood clot or parasite blocking the vascular lumen. The main causes of hemorrhagic stroke are:

• damage to the brain;
• disorders of the walls of blood vessels in the brain;
• Hemorrhages provoked by the development of a tumor process in the brain;
• penetration of toxic substances into the body of the animal ;
• Pathologies of inflammatory nature in the arteries;
• Infectious diseases with the concomitant development of febrile conditions;
• Stresses and emotional turmoil in the animal;
• Violations in the mode of feeding, provoking the thinning and fragility of blood vessels of the brain.

The second type of stroke develops against the background of cerebral vascular occlusion and the main causes provoking the ischemic form of the pathology are:

Most clinical cases are difficult to diagnose and establish the root cause of the disease. In the absence of an MRI or CT scan for a pet, veterinary specialists diagnose stroke as ideopathic (occurring in the absence of a significant cause).

But stroke always develops against the background of diseases of internal organs, so it is important to establish the cause and make efforts to eliminate the underlying pathology. This will avoid possible relapses and death.

The first signs of stroke in a cat, how to recognize?

Brain damage can be local and extensive, caused by impaired nutrition and tissue hemorrhage. Therefore, its symptomatology may not look the same: in some cats it goes unnoticed, and it is very difficult to understand that the animal is not okay.

In others, it causes severe disorders that remain with them for life. In any case, a caring owner should be alert to such symptoms:

• Fainting, albeit briefly;
• Differing pupil sizes and delayed response to light;
• Shaky gait and weakness;
• One of the frequent consequences of a stroke, paralysis, manifests itself in the first hours – the cat pulls its hind legs, and sometimes simply refuses to stand up;
• Vomiting, drooling;
• Headache forces the cat to seek a quiet corner and hide from light. At the same time she often continues to meow pitifully from somewhere under the bed or from the closet;
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing food;
• Bleeding in the eyeball;
• Unjustified aggression, rampage;
• "Blurred vision"-the cat wanders around the house, regularly bumping into obstacles;
• Seizures and seizures as in epilepsy;
• Paralysis of the hind legs;
• Voice changes, the appearance of hoarse notes and prolonged meowing.

If at least one of these symptoms is detected, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Minor changes such as wobbly gait, voice changes and attempts to hide in a dark corner may indicate a microstroke, which often precedes powerful, extensive brain damage. Therefore, it is extremely important to take action in a timely manner and to control the further development of the pathology.

If seizures and paralysis occur, it is better to call a "veterinary ambulance" at home or to take the cat to the clinic without delay.

Symptoms and consequences of stroke in animals

Actions for emergency assistance to the cat should be taken immediately after the first signs of stroke are detected. After all, the consequences of a stroke are unpredictable, but are largely determined by the extent of the processes and the brain centers involved:

• In microstrokes, brain circulation often recovers and all symptoms go away without a trace within a week;
• In localized lesions, voice changes, hearing disorders, vomiting, and involuntary acts of urination and defecation may occur;
• Often there are behavioral changes after microstrokes and local lesions: previously clean cats begin to relieve their needs in private places, affectionate cats become aggressive and previously energetic cats become lethargic and apathetic;
• One of the most dangerous variants of stroke is a blockage of the respiratory center, which causes shortness of breath, intermittent respiratory failure and pulmonary edema;
• Quite often after an acute cerebral circulation disorder, animals remain paralyzed for a long time and require intensive care from the owner.

The disease is unpredictable. But the critical importance is the first day and even hours after the stroke – the sooner skilled care is provided, the better the chances of a full recovery of all functions of the cat's body.

Causes of pathology

The main factors predisposing to the development of stroke include low physical activity, excessive weight and unbalanced diet (excess fats). These factors often provoke the development of diabetes mellitus, a complication of which is often a stroke. Other conditions that can lead to poor blood supply to the brain include:

• parasitic infections and helminthiasis, accompanied by an increase in body temperature;
• hypertension;
• prolonged stress and provoked by it, disorders of the nervous system;
• abnormalities of the cardiovascular system (congenital or acquired);
• traumas of the skull and spine;
• oncological diseases;
• Acute poisoning with poisons, affecting the walls of blood vessels;
• kidney failure;
• autoimmune diseases (vasculitis).

Although the causes of stroke may vary greatly, the symptoms will almost always be identical, as will the principles of care for the animal.

Classification of strokes

This pathology is also distinguished by localization. Stroke can be local (affecting a small limited area of the brain) and extensive, affecting several parts of the brain at once.

The first and earliest manifestation of stroke is a change in the pupils. The pet's eyes begin to make frequent, involuntary oscillations, and the pupils of the left and right eyes begin to differ in size. The rest of the symptoms and the extent to which they occur will depend on the extent of the circulatory disturbance. Common symptoms of stroke include:

• Changes in behavior (lethargy or unreasonable aggression);
• digestive system disorders (vomiting, constipation, involuntary defecation and urination);
• loss of consciousness for up to 2 minutes (fainting);
• gait disturbances, seizures, paralysis;
• rapid breathing;
• Hemorrhages in the eyeballs;
• Severe muscle weakness, up to and including inability to swallow food.

If one or more of these symptoms occur, you should seek help immediately at a veterinary center. Try to write down any abnormalities (you can write them down in writing), this will make it easier to diagnose the animal and prescribe the right treatment.

Microstroke manifestations

Such abnormalities may not be accompanied by any clear symptoms, so it is easy to ignore them. Most often, the presence of a microstroke is indicated by the following symptoms:

• Drowsiness, lethargy of the pet;
• vomiting;
• headaches. The animal meows loudly and pitifully, tends to hide in the quietest place;
• photophobia. The cat tries to hide in the darkest parts of the house;
• sudden changes in blood pressure. The cat suddenly, for no reason, freezes in place in a heightened state of attention.

Signs of a near stroke

The symptoms listed above become more intense or more frequent a few days before a "stroke" (as a stroke used to be called). In addition to headaches and dizziness are added:

There may be other signs. Everything is individual depending on the type of stroke, how extensive it is, and the area affected.

There is a quick and simple test to determine if a person is having a stroke. It is only 3 simple steps. Ask the person who is not feeling well:

• Smile . With a stroke, the face and smile are asymmetrical (one corner of the mouth is higher than the other, facial expressions are disrupted);
• Raise arms. to shoulder level and hold that position for a few seconds. If there is a stroke of the brain, one of them does not rise or involuntarily goes down, shifts to the side;
• TALK . If the speech is slurred, confused, the person is confused, call an ambulance!

Until paramedics arrive, the patient should be at rest and get some fresh air.

To take care of your health and reduce your risk of having a stroke, the Kutuzovsky Children's Center can help you. Our doctors have developed a ready-made program of comprehensive examinations to timely notice the first signs of danger. Start with consultation to find the best program and get personal recommendations!

How do you feel about checkups? Do you do it regularly or go to the doctor only when something bothers you?

Treating the Disease

In the home you can treat stroke in a cat only under the supervision of a veterinarian. Doing self-treatment is unacceptable. Treatment of the disease is complex. There is no specific therapy for the disease. To improve the condition of the cat, it is necessary to:

• Elimination of the causes that caused the stroke;
• Elimination of inflammation in the brain – it occurs with a stroke in the brain due to foci of tissue necrosis or hemorrhage, hematoma from which in the process of resorption provokes inflammation;
• reduction of brain damage;
• improvement of vascular health.

It is very important to begin treatment of stroke in cats as soon as possible. Significantly increases the probability of a cat's recovery with therapy that is started within the first 60 minutes after the stroke. The body of animals, unlike humans, is able to recover very effectively. Treatment that is given in time helps to avoid complications, such as paralysis, which might otherwise persist forever

If possible, the cause of the stroke is established so that the treatment prescribed is as targeted as possible. If the cause of the stroke cannot be ascertained, the cat receives a comprehensive treatment with a broad focus. Such therapy includes:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs acting in the brain area – if not administered, a complication of the disease, such as meningitis, is possible, greatly reducing the cat's chances of survival. Treatment lasts up to a week;
• antiemetics – are not required in all cats and are used if vomiting is noted at the time of the stroke. They combat the effects of the stroke, such as dehydration and damage to the throat vessels from stress;
• Sedative medications – are necessary to eliminate the animal's disorientation and panic attacks of fear, which complicate the treatment of stroke and only worsen the condition of the animal. The drug must be prescribed by a veterinarian, as well as the dosage. The owner should not arbitrarily change the scheme of giving the drug, as this will only worsen the condition of the animal;
• antibiotics – their use is necessary to prevent the occurrence of bacterial lesions of the animal's body, because with a stroke the immunity of the cat is severely reduced, and therefore it can not fully defend itself from the constant attacks of pathogens;
• neuroprotectants – the most common of them in veterinary practice cerebrolysin and cerebrolysate. Melgama and mexidol may also be prescribed. The action of these drugs is aimed at improving the functioning of the brain and reducing its damage during a stroke. They also strengthen blood vessels and accelerate the recovery process of the cat after a stroke. Treatment may last up to several months;
• Anti-edema medications – needed to prevent swelling of the brain, which can be fatal if very severe; since the cranial box cannot stretch, the organ will be compressed and completely traumatized;
• antispasmodics – help relieve pain, which in a stroke usually occurs in the head and neck area and is very severe.

Stroke prevention

There is no prevention aimed specifically at preventing stroke in a cat. However, there are general recommendations for keeping the animal healthy that can largely prevent the development of the disease. The main preventive measures to protect against stroke are:

• correct feeding of the cat;
• regular exposure of the cat to fresh air;
• A sufficient supply of clean and fresh water for drinking;
• Avoiding the use of various toxic substances in the home, including rat poison;
• preventive visits to the veterinarian once every 6 months.

If a cat is kept properly, the risk of it having a stroke is greatly reduced. It has also been observed that if an animal does not live alone and has the possibility of constant contact with a congenie, the risk that it will become ill is greatly reduced. However, and observing prevention, every owner should know what to do if the pet does have a stroke.

Stroke treatment

To make an accurate diagnosis, a CT or MRI scan of the brain, as well as general and biochemical blood tests may be prescribed for the pet.

If signs of stroke are confirmed, a specialist will prescribe treatment appropriate for the type of stroke. Stroke in cats is usually treated with antispasmodics, analeptics, analeptics, anticoagulants, diuretics, anti-inflammatory drugs and sedatives. In severe seizures, induction into anesthesia sleep is indicated.

Note. The effectiveness of homeopathy, nootropics and antioxidants in combating the effects of stroke in cats is not proven. Therefore, treatment with drugs from these groups is considered ineffective.

Rehabilitation after a cat stroke may take from several months to three or more years. Sometimes animals recover completely. But in most cases, they lose some of their functions. For example, vision, hearing, or the ability to move fully on four legs.

An improvement in the cat's condition by 5-7 days after the attack is considered to be a positive dynamic in treatment. If there is no improvement, the animal may be euthanized.

Specifics of therapy

Stroke in cats cannot be cured, since it acts only as a consequence. For this reason, therapy is built on the elimination of the provoking factor and normalization of blood circulation.

Immediately after the attack, infusion therapy (IVs) is carried out to prevent dehydration and restore his strength. After stabilization the patient is transferred to symptomatic treatment. It helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, normalize blood flow, as well as improve the function of the nervous system. To this end, the following medications are prescribed:

• Gamavit – an immunomodulator that stimulates immune activity;
• Prednisolone – a glucocorticosteroid that relieves inflammation and swelling;
• Glucose – a nutrient solution that regulates metabolism;
• No-shpa, an analgesic that relieves spasms and pain;
• Neuromidine – a drug that restores the transmission of nerve impulses.

Depending on the clinical picture, the list may be supplemented with sedatives, diuretics, antibiotics and antiemetics. In severe oxygen starvation oxygen therapy is carried out. For this, the animal is put on a special mask or placed in a chamber.

Care and treatment of the animal at home

For a few days after the attack, it is better to leave the cat in the hospital under the supervision of doctors. This will give them the opportunity to monitor the effectiveness of therapy and prevent relapses.

If you do not have the opportunity or desire to separate with your pet – take a leave of absence and treat it yourself. All you need to do is to strictly follow the instructions issued by your veterinarian.

Getting shots and IVs

Some shots and IVs can be given by yourself. These include any subcutaneous injections. Medicines prescribed by the doctor should be injected into the withers, as this is a place of low sensitivity.

Intramuscular injections are a little more complicated. If you don't have enough skill, it's better to leave this procedure to a veterinarian. But you can watch him work and try your hand a little later. Understanding the basics will help you in case of force majeure, so don't be afraid to learn something new.

In the first few days, your pet will need glucose and Ringer-Locke's solution drips. All the tools needed for this procedure are sold in one set. Additionally, you will have to buy an insulin syringe, which is necessary for giving injections.

The IV drips are given intravenously and only a veterinary nurse can do this – so prepare in advance to carry the cat to the clinic or to call a walk-in specialist.

Dietary compliance.

If chewing and swallowing reflexes are maintained, the diet is not restricted. In all other cases, the cat is fed from a syringe or through an IV.

Dairy products, creamy porridges, light broths on vegetables or chicken breast are suitable as liquid food. Fats should be avoided, as excess cholesterol is fraught with vascular plaques.

A new rhythm of life for the pet

The patient should be placed in a quiet corner with dim light. Under the cot should be placed absorbent diapers, and next to it – a heater. It is recommended that the lying cat be turned from side to side every 3 hours to avoid bedsores.

What is a stroke

Stroke is an acute disruption of cerebral circulation, leading to structural changes in the brain and disruption of internal organs.

The problem occurs against the background of brain cell death, provoked by a lack of oxygen. In healthy cats, oxygen enters the brain with the bloodstream unimpeded. In cats that have had a stroke, it is with limitations.

Brain cells left in an oxygen-free environment begin to die off as early as 8 minutes after the stroke. However, due to the plasticity of the brain structure, neighboring cells can take over the function of the dead cells, and with proper and timely treatment, the animal will have a chance to recover and live on.

Types of stroke

A circulatory disorder is caused by a blood clot, called a blood clot, blocking the lumen of a vessel. The clot may form on the wall of a vessel in any part of the body and travel to the brain with the bloodstream. This condition is called ischemia.

Ischemic stroke in cats is 6 times more common than other types of stroke and causes both partial and complete death of brain cells, depending on the size of the damaged vessel. Inflammation begins at the site of the injury, brain tissue swells and cerebral circulation is impaired.

Circulatory disorders are caused by a ruptured artery in the brain. The vessel bursts under the influence of high blood pressure. As a result, a hematoma forms around the injured area, and the brainstem regions become impregnated with components of the blood released from the vessel.

Circulatory disorders arise due to clogging of the vessel by a thrombus. That is, the mechanism of development of the pathology is similar to an ischemic stroke. But unlike a fully developed attack, the thrombus spontaneously dissolves within a day and there are no signs of pathology.

The manifestation of symptoms of a microstroke indicates a serious problem in the circulatory system and often becomes a precursor to an extensive stroke.

Diagnosis

Such a complication is usually detected in the first days or weeks after the development of the disease, when the patient is still undergoing treatment or rehabilitation. The neurologist speaks with the patient and conducts special tests to assess cognitive and speech skills. He may ask the patient to repeat a sequence of words, or briefly retell a text he has heard or read. Based on the results of the consultation, the form of the pathology is determined. The cause of the complication must then be determined in order to make a final diagnosis.

The neurologist determines which section of the CNS has been affected and confirms the diagnosis. This is important for evaluating the prognosis and selecting an individual rehabilitation program.

How to restore speech after a stroke

To undergo treatment, a person is referred to a speech therapist. This is a specialized specialist who deals with the restoration of speech function. The speech therapist listens carefully to the patient, asks him questions and tests to clarify the severity of the disorder of communication skills. After that, a rehabilitation program based on regular performance of certain tasks and exercises can be made up. In the beginning, exercises are done only with a specialist, but over time, exercises can be done at home.

1. Phonetic. This is the repetition of certain words and sounds.
2. Semantic. To improve cognitive and communicative functions, the speech therapist suggests completing a sentence or having a conversation on a certain topic.
3. Visual. If a person has difficulty recognizing visible objects, the specialist shows him or her images and conducts appropriate exercises.

Particular attention is paid to the sounds, words and sentences that cause difficulties for the patient. It is necessary to work through the problems as much as possible.

Articulation exercises

The speech therapist also selects a set of individual exercises that improve the reproduction of certain sounds. These may be the following tasks:

The specialist selects exercises that help to develop the coordination of the musculature of the vocal apparatus.

Therapeutic massage

Often the patient's mimic and vocal muscles after a stroke are stiff, resulting in a loss of intelligible speech. Special massage exercises restore blood flow to the muscles and improve their function. The condition of the facial muscles is normalized. Only specially trained specialists are involved in facial massage. It is necessary to gently act on certain anatomical areas.

Drug therapy

Do not forget about the importance of drug treatment of stroke consequences, because the restoration of speech function depends directly on its results. The neurologist selects an individual scheme of therapy, taking into account the results of examinations and complications that have arisen.