Ischaemic stroke in dogs and humans: a comparative review

Cerebrovascular accidents, also known as strokes, are one of the major causes of disability and mortality among adult humans. The increased availability of magnetic resonance imaging in veterinary medicine means they are being increasingly recognised in dogs, too. Cerebrovascular accident is defined as the sudden onset of non-progressive, focal brain dysfunction as a result of ischaemic infarction or haemorrhage. Focal ischaemic stroke is caused by interruption of the arterial blood flow to a dependent area of brain parenchyma by a thrombus or an embolus. Once the diagnosis of ischaemic stroke is confirmed, potential sources of thrombosis or embolism should be investigated and treated accordingly. Dogs with ischaemic stroke tend to recover within several weeks with supportive care only.