Transient Ischemic Attack in Dogs

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a stroke like condition that lasts for up to 20 minutes and may affect dogs as well. The TIAs are most commonly caused by blood clots that decrease the blood flow. During a transient ischemic attack, the blood flow to the brain is reduced. Typically, an transient ischemic attack will not cause permanent damage, but treatment is required to prevent future attacks or even a stroke, which could be fatal.

Causes of Transient Ischemic Attack in Dogs

In dogs, the most frequent cause of TIA is a blood clot, which hinders the blood flow to the brain for a short period of time. Blood clots may form due to various reasons such as:

• Plaque buildup in the arteries
• Inflammation of the blood vessels
• Injuries of blood vessels
• Untreated hypertension or high blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Air bubbles in the blood stream, which may be due to an injection
• Blood clotting abnormalities
• Tumor cells that travel in the blood stream
• Following a surgery

In some cases, the occurrence of a TIA is idiopathic, so it has no known causes.

Symptoms of TIA

A transient ischemic attack will manifest through various symptoms, depending on the area of the brain that is affected. Watch out for signs such as:

• Weakening of the muscles in 1 part of the body
• Inability to move
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Fainting
• No reaction to your call or other stimuli
• Drooling

If the attack occurs when the dog is in motion, he may be staggering and collapse. These symptoms will be temporary and after the attack is over, the dog will regain his normal function and there will be no permanent damage. You may mistake these symptoms for signs of aging. However, to be sure, you should have a clear diagnosis from a professional.

If the symptoms persist for over 30 minutes, your dog may be experiencing a stroke and if treatment is not applied, the dog may suffer permanent damage.

Diagnosing a Transient Ischemic Attack

Typically, a dog with a TIA will experience other attacks in the future and the attacks may be more frequent and the dog may also suffer from a stroke. Consequently, the dog needs to be diagnosed and requires treatment. The diagnosis will be made based on a physical exam, blood tests and possibly some MRIs or CAT scans to detect blood clots and determine if there is any damage in the brain.

Treatment Options for a Dog with a TIA

A dog with TIA will receive treatment according to the causes of the blood clots. Medication to prevent blood clotting or blood thinners will be prescribed and should be administered on a permanent basis to prevent future transient ischemic attacks. In severe cases, surgery will be required to repair the blocked arteries. If the dog has an underlying disease such as diabetes or high blood pressure, treatment will be administered to manage these conditions.