Table of Contents
What to do with a cat who has had a stroke?
How Are Cat Strokes Treated in Cats?
- Oxygen therapy to improve oxygen delivery to damaged brain tissue and promote healing.
- Seizure medications for cats to control seizures or reduce pressure within the skull, if necessary.
- Management of any underlying conditions.
- Maintaining hydration and adequate nutrition.
Do cats die from strokes?
Cats of any age or breed can have strokes, but rarely. Strokes seem to be less damaging to cats compared to their human counterparts. But cat strokes are still serious and require immediate veterinarian attention. In many cases of cat stroke, the exact cause remains unknown.
Are strokes painful for cats?
However, these ischemic events can leave permanent neurologic defects in your cat like wobbliness, a head tilt, etc. The second cause may be due to a blood clot (commonly called a “saddle thrombus”). This is typically due to severe heart disease, and may result in severe pain.
Is it common for cats to have strokes?
What can cause strokes in cats? Strokes are most commonly diagnosed in cats that are about nine years old and can happen due to an underlying illness such as cancer within or spreading to the brain, parasites, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or heart disease.
How long does a stroke last in cats?
Although there is no specific treatment for strokes in dogs and cats, most pets tend to recover within a few weeks. However, recovery may not be possible if the stroke has affected a vital part of the brain.
How long does it take for a cat to recover from a stroke?
What are the signs of a cat stroke?
One of the clearest symptoms of the cat stroke is the head tilt to one side. The cat has difficulties in moving his head to the other side. This condition may last a few weeks after the occurrence of the stroke.
Can cats survive a stroke?
While a cat can easily survive the first stroke, the life expectancy may diminish with subsequent strokes. Nonetheless, you can expect your pet to lead an active life with proper care and treatment. It is important not to get stressed out by the alarming symptoms of stroke.
What is the treatment for a cat stroke?
Treatment for a cat stroke is most often supportive (warmth, food, care) although IV fluids may be needed as well as anti-inflammatories, seizure medications, and other treatments as determined by the cat’s needs. If an underlying cause has been determined, then treatment will also be directed at that cause.
Why do cats have strokes?
When a rupture or obstruction decreases the amount of blood supply to the brain, this depletes the brain’s oxygen levels and leads to brain damage. In cats, this occurrence is often referred to as a Feline Ischemic Encephalopathy (FIE), or a stroke.