Latest news with #Sanil
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Early warning signs of strokes in dogs to look for as vet says it's 'pretty common'
Early warning signs of strokes in dogs to look for as vet says it's 'pretty common' A vet has detailed the 'early warning signs and symptoms to look out for' which signal your pet dog or cat could be having a stroke, as the condition becomes more 'common' among animals There's several symptoms dogs may present which are indicative of a stroke (stock image) (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) Many households around the world cherish the companionship of a pet dog, with their seemingly endless affection and steadfast loyalty making them an integral part of the family. Opting to have a dog is not a decision to be taken lightly; it calls for a profound shift in lifestyle as these animals demand regular love, care, and attention. This includes frequent veterinary visits for health checks and ensuring they get their daily dose of exercise. In the UK alone, there's a staggering estimated number of 10.6 million pet dogs, with owners keen to ensure their canine companions maintain good health. The proliferation of social media has become a boon to those looking to optimise their dogs' wellbeing, as a myriad of videos from passionate pet owners and professionals alike offer advice and knowledge. Being vigilant about recognising early signs of serious health issues can have a significant impact on your dog's wellbeing. A particularly impactful video that's garnered attention on social media features specialists detailing "early warning signs and symptoms to look out for" that might suggest a dog or cat is suffering a stroke. Board-certified veterinary neurologist Dr Sheena Sanil from SEVN commented: "It turns out that strokes are pretty common in our small animal friends, so it's important to recognise the signs. Article continues below "Strokes occur suddenly without any warning signs and they should not be painful but can cause an abrupt and severe onset of symptoms." Dr Sanil elaborated on the symptoms linked to a stroke within the forebrain of pets, including behaviours such as circling, as well as seizures, dramatic changes in behaviour, head pressing, and even blindness. The vet outlined that symptoms of a stroke in the brain stem or cerebellum can include "poor balance, vomiting, nystagmus - or abnormal eye movements - weakness on one side of the body, high stepping, head tremors, severe mentation changes or changes in consciousness, acute circling or spinning." Dr Sanil said: "Just like in people, strokes in pets occur either when the blood flow to part of the brain is obstructed, which is known as an ischemic stroke, or when a blood vessel bursts and deprives nerve cells of oxygen, which is a hemorrhagic stroke. "Strokes generally occur in older pets and are often secondary to a chronic metabolic disorder. Cases of an ischemic stroke are often secondary to hypothyroidism, renal disease, Cushing's disease, neoplasia or cardiac disease. "While cases of hemorrhagic strokes are often secondary to clotting disorders, metastatic cancer and toxins. However, about 50% of strokes in dogs have no identifiable underlying cause." The vet further noted: "It is also worth noting that some dog breeds are much more prone to strokes, such as the greyhounds and mini schnauzers." In the caption accompanying the video, the expert advised: "If you suspect your dog or cat may be affected, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Contact a veterinary neurologist to discuss the best path forward for your pet." It's crucial to remember that both novices and professionals who share their personal experiences or expert advice on social media can only provide a generalised perspective. They don't know you or your pet personally. If you have any worries about your pet, it's advisable to take them to your vet promptly for a personalised consultation and bespoke treatment plan. If you're contemplating getting a dog, it's vital to do your homework first. Training is fundamental with puppies and dogs, and not all dogs are suitable for first-time owners. Article continues below If you're planning to bring a pet into your home, consider the advantages of adopting a puppy or older dog from a charity or local shelter instead of purchasing from a breeder.
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Dog owners warned about 'pretty common' sign pets are having a stroke
A vet has highlighted the main things to look out for in your pet – and some of these behaviour patterns are things that can be easily missed if you're not aware of them Many households across the globe are blessed with a canine companion, and given their endless love and steadfast loyalty, it's easy to understand why. Adopting a dog is a significant commitment that necessitates a major lifestyle shift – dogs need constant affection, attention, care, regular vet visits and daily exercise. With an estimated 10.6 million pet dogs in the UK, many owners are keen to keep their cherished pets as healthy as possible. This is evident on social media, where countless videos from animal enthusiasts and professionals alike share their knowledge and advice with the public. Being able to identify signs of serious and debilitating health conditions can make a huge difference to your dog's life. So in one video shared on social media, an expert highlighted the "early warning signs and symptoms to look out for" that indicate a stroke in a dog or cat. Dr Sheena Sanil, a veterinary neurologist at Florida-based vets SEVN, explained: "It turns out that strokes are pretty common in our small animal friends, so it's important to recognise the signs. Strokes occur suddenly without any warning signs and they should not be painful but can cause an abrupt and severe onset of symptoms. "Symptoms depend on the area of the nervous system where the stroke has occurred. Symptoms of a stroke in a pet's forebrain include walking in circles, seizures, behavioural changes, head pressing [and] blindness." The vet outlined that symptoms of a stroke in pets' brain stem or cerebellum can include "poor balance, vomiting, nystagmus – or abnormal eye movements – weakness on one side of the body, high stepping, head tremors, severe mentation changes or changes in the consciousness, acute circling or spinning." Dr Sanil added: "Just like in people, strokes in pets occur either when the blood flow to part of the brain is obstructed, which is known as an ischemic stroke, or when a blood vessel bursts and deprives nerve cells of oxygen, which is a haemorrhagic stroke. "Strokes generally occur in older pets and are often secondary to a chronic metabolic disorder. Cases of an ischemic stroke are often secondary to hypothyroidism, renal disease, Cushing's disease, neoplasia or cardiac disease. "While cases of haemorrhagic strokes are often secondary to clotting disorders, metastatic cancer and toxins. However, about 50% of strokes in dogs have no identifiable underlying cause." The vet concluded: "It is also worth noting that some dog breeds are much more prone to strokes, such as the greyhounds and mini schnauzers." In the caption with the video, Dr Sanil advised: "If you suspect your dog or cat may be affected, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Contact a veterinary neurologist to discuss the best path forward for your pet." It's important to remember that both novices and professionals who share their personal experiences or expert advice on social media can only offer a generalised view, as they don't know you or your pet personally. If you have any worries about your pet, it's always best to take them to your vet for a personalised consultation and tailored treatment plan. If you're thinking about getting a dog, make sure you do your homework first. Training is crucial for puppies and dogs, and not all breeds are suitable for first-time owners. For anyone planning to bring a pet into their home, consider the benefits of adopting a puppy or older dog from a charity or local shelter, rather than buying from a breeder.
