Stroke in Dogs: What Every Vet Needs to Know About Long-Term Risks and Recovery
When we think of strokes, we often associate them with humans, but dogs can also suffer from this life-threatening condition. A new multicenter observational study sheds light on the comorbidities, long-term outcomes, and risk of poststroke epilepsy in dogs diagnosed with ischemic stroke—a condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. Conducted across multiple veterinary centers, this study followed 125 dogs over a span of more than two decades, providing valuable insights into stroke recovery and potential complications.
What Puts Dogs at Risk? Comorbidities and Stroke Outcomes
One of the most significant findings from this study is that 41.6% of dogs with ischemic stroke had at least one comorbidity—an underlying health condition that may have contributed to their stroke risk. The two most common comorbidities were:
Hypertension (high blood pressure) – Found in 20% of affected dogs, suggesting a possible link between cardiovascular health and stroke risk.
Proteinuria (excess protein in urine) – Detected in 8% of cases, which may indicate underlying kidney disease or systemic health issues.
Despite these conditions, the median survival time for dogs with comorbidities (482 days) was not significantly different from those without (907 days), meaning that having a preexisting condition does not necessarily mean a shorter lifespan after a stroke.
Will My Dog Have Another Stroke? Recurrence and Long-Term Outlook
One of the biggest concerns for dog owners is whether their pet will experience another stroke. In this study, 19.2% of dogs had a suspected stroke recurrence, which underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and preventive care. Interestingly, stroke recurrence did not seem to significantly affect overall survival.
Poststroke Epilepsy: How Common Is It?
In humans, poststroke epilepsy—seizures that develop after a stroke—is a well-documented complication. However, its occurrence in dogs has been unclear until now. This study found that 7.3% of dogs developed poststroke epilepsy, meaning that while it is possible, it remains relatively uncommon. Additionally, there was no clear link between poststroke epilepsy and survival time, suggesting that dogs who develop seizures after a stroke are not necessarily at a higher risk of death.
Why This Study Matters for Veterinarians and Pet Owners
This study highlights several key takeaways for both veterinarians and pet owners:
Screening for Comorbidities Is Crucial – Since many dogs with stroke had underlying conditions, identifying and managing issues like hypertension could be an important step in prevention.
A Stroke Diagnosis Doesn’t Mean the End – Many dogs live months or even years after a stroke, even those with additional health conditions.
Seizures After a Stroke Are Possible but Rare – While poststroke epilepsy occurs in a small percentage of dogs, it is not necessarily a predictor of a poor outcome.
Final Thoughts: Hope for Dogs with Stroke
While an ischemic stroke can be a frightening diagnosis, the findings from this study suggest that many dogs can recover and live meaningful lives with the right care. Regular veterinary check-ups, early detection of underlying conditions, and ongoing monitoring can help improve long-term outcomes for dogs affected by stroke.
Read full article here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.17291
