A stroke is the sudden and severe rupture, blockage or other compromise of a blood vessel in the brain that deprives the brain of its normal blood supply, causing inadequate oxygen delivery which in turn leads to loss of consciousness, paralysis and perhaps other symptoms depending upon the site and extent of brain damage. Strokes, medically referred to as infarcts or feline ischemic encephalopathy (FIE), are uncommon in cats. When they do occur, they tend
Stroke in cats occurs when the normal blood supply to the brain has been reduced. The symptoms and effects of stroke in cats primarily include: a head tilt, difficulty walking, uncontrollable circling, sudden loss of vision and bowel control, and sudden behavioral changes. While the condition of stroke in cats is not common, there are a number of conditions that can cause a stroke to occur.Strokes in cats can be caused by an underlying medical
It was once thought that cats did not have strokes, because their clinical signs of stroke are so unlike those in humans. However, with the advancement of specialized diagnostic tools in veterinarian medicine, it was discovered that cats indeed can experience strokes. In many cases, the signs of strokes in cats are confused with those caused by other brain disorders, including tumors. Advanced diagnostic techniques normally are needed to correctly diagnose feline strokes.As soon
Cats suffering from a stroke need immediate veterinarian attention. The goals of therapy include minimizing brain swelling and associated tissue damage, treating the underlying cause of the stroke and rehabilitating the cat physically. Once the cause of the stroke is determined, the treatment protocol can be determined as well. Early diagnosis and treatment will dramatically enhance the outlook for a full recovery. If your cat shows signs of a stroke, please take him or her