Stroke is a feline condition characterized by low blood flow to the brain. Such a disorder leads to brain dysfunction and cell death.
Stroke in cats is classified into two varieties - ischemic and hemorrhagic. The culprits of ischemic stroke are liver and kidney disease, Cushing’s disease, diabetes mellitus and thyroid ailments. The risk of stroke in an animal increases when blood vessels are blocked by parasites, a tumor, or subcutaneous fat.
The occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke is caused by diseases leading to blood clotting disorders and poisoning.
Rat poisons are especially dangerous to the cat’s body.
Symptoms of stroke in cats
- Temporary blindness;
- head tilted back;
- changes in behavior;
- loss of appetite;
- moving in circles;
- Dysfunctionality of the muzzle muscles, etc.
Diagnosis and treatment of stroke in cats
The diagnosis of stroke in cats is made on the basis of the collected medical history and examination. In the clinic, the animal is given a tomogram of the head, ultrasound, radiography, electroencephalogram.
To treat stroke, cats are prescribed anti-inflammatory and sedatives, neuroprotectants, antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, vitamins and antioxidants. As an auxiliary therapy, the animal is given physical therapy procedures. After a stroke, the cat needs special care. In order to prevent bedsores, it is often turned from side to side.