What commonly causes stroke in dogs and cats?

Common causes include blood clots or bleeding inside the brain, emboli related to heart disease, and blood pressure abnormalities or metabolic problems. Your vet will need to run tests to identify the underlying cause.

What tests are usually done after arriving at the clinic?

The vet will usually start with a neurological examination and basic blood and biochemistry tests. CT or MRI may be recommended to assess bleeding or lesions in the brain, with further testing arranged depending on the findings.

What home care records can help with diagnosis?

Record the time of onset, symptom changes, appetite, and toileting patterns. Videos of walking and awareness or response can also help the vet assess disease progression.

Does a pet need long-term follow-up after a stroke?

Most pets need regular rechecks and imaging follow-up to assess recovery and complications. The treatment plan and follow-up schedule depend on your pet's condition and your vet's recommendations.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Stroke in Dogs and Cats: Sudden Imbalance, Altered Consciousness, CT/MRI Tests & Care [2025]

A cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, needs urgent care and imaging tests to confirm bleeding or reduced blood flow. Early treatment can help reduce long-term effects.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, ACVIM, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Sudden inability to stand or collapse with no recovery
•Altered consciousness or prolonged unresponsive drowsiness
•Continuous seizures or abnormal involuntary eye movements

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Unsteady gait but able to move within a short period
•Weakness in one limb but still functional
•Sudden loss of appetite or intermittent vomiting

01What symptoms suggest something is wrong?

Stroke in dogs and cats often causes sudden or progressive changes in brain function, most commonly affecting balance, movement, and awareness.

Sudden loss of balance, leaning to one side, or unsteady walking
Altered consciousness, sleepiness, or slower responses to stimulation
Weakness on one side of the body or signs of one-sided dysfunction, such as reduced coordination on one side
Eye or vision abnormalities, such as abnormal eye movements or a shifted gaze
Signs related to increased pressure inside the skull, such as nausea, vomiting, or discomfort

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet becomes unconscious, has ongoing seizures, or develops severe breathing changes

02How can you assess changes at home? Key observations and when to seek emergency care

Observing and recording the course of illness and behaviour changes at home helps the vet assess progression and choose appropriate tests.

Record the exact time the episode started and when each symptom appeared or changed
Use your phone to record videos of walking, standing, and responses to stimulation
Watch for changes in appetite, water intake, and how much your pet eats at each meal
Monitor urination and defecation frequency, colour, and any unusual elimination patterns
Pay attention to activity level, balance, and whether there is head tilt or tremor
If you notice clear worsening, arrange specialist veterinary assessment as soon as possible

03How will the vet diagnose it? Common tests

After arrival at the clinic, diagnosis usually starts with a neurological examination, followed by imaging and laboratory tests to confirm the lesion and possible underlying cause.

A full neurological and physical examination to assess lesion location and the degree of functional impairment

Chest and abdominal X-rays or ultrasound to rule out other concurrent diseases or possible source lesions

CT can quickly assess bleeding inside the brain or acute changes

MRI provides more detailed views of brain tissue and localised lesions

Blood and biochemistry tests to assess metabolism, clotting function, and inflammation markers

Referral to a hospital with advanced imaging or a veterinary neurology service may be needed for further care

04What treatment and care are needed after diagnosis? Medication, diet adjustments, and home care

Treatment includes stabilisation in the acute phase and follow-up care. The goals are to control pressure in the brain, manage bleeding or related metabolic problems, and monitor recovery.

During the acute phase, the priority is maintaining oxygenation and monitoring stable vital signs
Reducing brain swelling and controlling the risk of bleeding are key treatment goals
Medication and regular follow-up visits are planned according to your pet's condition and progress
Diet and fluid management can support overall metabolism and recovery
Home care should provide a quiet environment and reduce stimulation to encourage rest
Regular repeat imaging at a hospital with specialist equipment may be recommended

05What should you prepare before seeing the vet? Key information that helps identify the cause quickly

Record the time of onset, initial symptoms, and details of how the signs changed

Record and bring videos showing walking, standing, and level of awareness or response

Write down meal amounts, any swallowing difficulty, and any vomiting

Record elimination frequency, colour, and any abnormal findings

Prepare a list of current medications, supplements, and any allergy history

Check in advance which clinics or hospitals can perform CT or MRI, and tell the vet

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.

Related Symptoms (You May Also Be Looking For)

Low red blood cells

Clotting disorder

Tissue swelling

Severe bleeding

High blood pressure