The brain needs adequate amounts of vital nutrients and oxygen so it can function properly. The blood circulation also removes waste products from the brain. An interruption in the blood supply to the brain leads to a condition called “ischemia”, and specific regions of the brain can suffer from irreversible damage.

• Ischemic stroke – happens when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted
• Hemorrhagic stroke – occurs when there is bleeding in the brain which is typically a result of the bursting of a blood vessel.

Other potential causes of hemorrhagic stroke in cats include the following:

• Toxins
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Clotting disorders that are hereditary
• Thyroid disease
• Cushing’s disease
• Lungworm
• Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia
• Brain tumor
• Vasculitis
• Traumatic injury to the head
• Defects of blood vessel in the brain

The most common symptoms of stroke in cats include circling, loss of balance, head tilt, turning of the head, vision loss, and loss of balance. For additional information, call your Vets Hiring.