Strokes in dogs — cerebrovascular accidents — are increasingly recognised thanks to advances in veterinary imaging. Understanding how they affect dogs and how to support affected animals is vital for welfare.
Dogs experiencing a stroke are distressed and disoriented, often unable to walk or maintain normal posture. The acute phase involves significant confusion and fear. Owners observing sudden neurological changes in their pets are often deeply alarmed. With appropriate supportive care, many dogs recover much of their function, but ongoing monitoring for underlying disease is essential to prevent recurrence. Welfare considerations include pain management for any discomfort, nursing care to prevent pressure sores and maintain hygiene in non-ambulatory dogs, and physical rehabilitation to restore mobility. Identifying and treating underlying conditions (such as hypertension or endocrine disease) is critical to long-term welfare. Quality-of-life monitoring should be ongoing for dogs with residual neurological deficits.