Diagnosing Strokes in Dogs and Cats
The symptoms of a stroke can look just like other neurological problems, including brain tumors and meningitis. To rule out other possible causes and diagnose a stroke, we will need to run tests like:
- Blood tests to check for issues with the internal organs
- X-rays of the chest and belly
- MRI of the head
Following diagnosis, your vet neurologist might recommend additional testing to find the underlying cause of your pet’s stroke. Further blood work, an abdominal ultrasound, coagulation profiles, and blood pressure testing may be suggested. Knowing the cause helps us find the best treatment.
Using MRI to Diagnose Strokes
MRI is the BEST and ONLY way to diagnose both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
As an example, this is an MRI of a dog with acute onset of seizures, behavior change, walking in circles toward the left, and weakness on the right side of the body. Note that these are also common symptoms of brain tumors.
The image is a “T2-star” or “gradient echo” sequence, where blood products (hemorrhage) appear dark. Along with a SEVN neurologist’s experience, this image (and others) led to the diagnosis of a stroke, which was treated appropriately and successfully.
On the other hand, a CT scan would have likely led to the diagnosis of brain tumor, causing this patient unnecessary treatment or euthanasia. This is one of many reasons that we do not recommend CT for evaluating the brain.
