This is Maynard, an 8-year-old boxer/American bulldog mix. His parents noticed one day that it seemed like he wasn't able to see in one eye, and it also looked like his face was drooping on that same side. They feared he had a stroke. When he was brought to the vet, their fears were confirmed: Maynard did indeed have a stroke. He also had a terrible double ear infection, and blood tests showed that he had elevated liver enzymes. The vet also ordered a full body X-ray to make sure there weren't signs of cancer that weren't able to be seen with the naked eye--luckily, they came back negative. Due to advancements in veterinary technology, strokes are being diagnosed more frequently. A stroke happens with there is the loss of blood flow to parts of the brain. There are two causes of strokes in dogs: an obstruction in blood vessels, which occur due to blood clots, tumor cells, clumps of platelets, bacteria and parasites; and bleeds in the brain, which result from the rupture of blood vessels or clotting disorders. Signs of strokes in animals can be similar to those in people (minus the slurred speech), and symptoms vary depending on where the stroke occurred in the brain. Symptoms of strokes in dogs include:
Strokes usually happen in dogs who are older or have diseases that can increase the risk of blood clots. Many of the underlying diseases that can cause strokes in dogs include kidney disease, Cushing’s disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, bleeding disorders, hypothyroidism, cancer, and high doses of steroids, such as prednisone. Stroke prevention in dogs includes routine check-ups and blood work with a veterinarian to help identify potential causes that may need to be addressed. His parents are currently living off of one income for a family of four. The unexpected vet visit for Maynard made covering their bills even harder. They applied to Fur Kids Foundation, and we were happy to help. Maynard may always have a droopy face, but he's on his way to recovery. Fur Kids Foundation is grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and supporters who have helped local families stay happy and healthy, and together! If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families in Campbell County, Wyoming with animals, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The money helps families during a time when they may not be able to afford adequate veterinary care. Check out more Success Stories.
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