INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If tests reveal canine stroke, your doctor will discuss with you the causes that led to the condition. There are no specific treatments for a stroke except for targeting the underlying cause of the condition. An ischemic stroke is associated with such conditions as diabetes, improper functioning thyroid glands, heart or kidney disease and hypertension. A hemorrhagic stroke is often due to a blood clot, hypertension, rat poisoning and compromised blood vessels. Other causes of stroke include brain tumors and head trauma. Once the condition is diagnosed as a canine stroke and the underlying cause is identified, your vet can implement a treatment plan. Most cases of canine stroke can be managed at home, once the vet has made a diagnosis. Your vet may prescribe medications, and they will also explain how to care for your dog and monitor its condition at home. Your dog may feel disoriented and have difficulty walking. Home nursing for your dog may involve: Making sure your dog has a comfortable bed. Carrying your dog outside so it can go to the bathroom. Placing food and water within easy reach near your dog's bed. Giving your dog any medication prescribed by your vet. You can also give your dog a daily massage to increase its ability to move around. Use the palm of your hand to rub its entire body. For severe strokes or strokes caused by trauma, the vet may wish to keep your dog in the hospital for observation and treatment. If the cause of the stroke is trauma, the first step will be to decrease any swelling within the brain and to keep re-hydrating your dog. Your dog will be given an IV of fluids so that he can get hydrated. Medications such as Amlodipine may be administered to control high blood pressure, if the stroke was caused by hypertension. Other medications may also be given, including an anti-inflammatory such as an NSAID if swelling is evident, antibiotics for a diagnosis of infection, a sedative for ataxia and disorientation, an antiemetic for vomiting and stomach distress, and anticonvulsants to control seizures. Your dog will be placed in a soft, comfortable position during treatment so that his head is not laying below the rest of his body. This position will help to promote proper blood flow. At-home care involves constant monitoring of your pet during recovery. You may need to employ the assistance of others, such as having your neighbor look in on your dog if you have to leave the house. You could also hire a pet sitter to keep an eye on your dog when you are away. Consider taking long lunch breaks to go and check on your dog, or work from home if you are able to. You could also ask if you can bring your dog to work. Medications may also be prescribed to help your dog fully recover from a stroke and possibly prevent further attacks. Dogs with symptoms of ataxia and disorientation may be given a sedative. Other medications may include: An antiemetic for vomiting issues. An anti-inflammatory for swelling symptoms. Antibiotics for infections. Anticonvulsants to control seizures and prevent future strokes. Antiplatelet drugs similar to Plavix, an anticoagulant for long-term therapy for the prevention of blood clots. Drugs that increase the supply of blood oxygen to the brain, such propentofylline (Vivitonin). How quickly your dog recovers depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the stroke and any underlying health problems. Severe strokes may lead to permanent disability. However, with proper treatment, you can maximize your dog's quality of life and help it adjust to problems such as poor balance. Your vet may recommend physical therapy to help your dog regain functionality and learn to compensate for permanent physical symptoms.

SUMMARY: Begin treating the underlying cause of the stroke. Follow your vet's instructions for home care. Allow your dog to be hospitalized, if your vet recommends it. Make sure your dog is monitored at all times during recovery. Give your dog any medications prescribed by the vet. Discuss your dog's prognosis with your vet.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you have any symptoms of a blood clot, get medical help right away. Blood clots can lead to life-threatening medical conditions. Your doctor should ask questions about your symptoms, your lifestyle, your personal health history, and your family health history. Answer these questions in as much detail as possible to increase the chances of a quick and accurate diagnosis. Your doctor should perform a complete physical, looking for any signs or symptoms that could point to blood clots. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor will likely order standard blood work, as well as tests that can help detect blood clotting. In addition, he or she may recommend: Ultrasound. Using an ultrasound machine, your doctor may be able to detect the formation of blood clots in the veins. Venography. In venography, a contrast dye is injected into a small vein in your hand or foot. Using fluoroscopy, the doctor can then observe the path of the dye, looking for possible clots. Arteriography. In arteriography, a dye is injected directly into an artery. Similar to venography, arteriography will allow your doctor to observe the path of the dye and confirm the presence of a clot. If your doctor suspects a blood clot in your lungs (also known as a pulmonary embolism), he or she will recommend an imaging test and/or ventilation perfusion to check your lungs. Imaging tests can also used to see clots in the brain or in the carotid arteries. This may involve: Chest x-rays. X-rays cannot detect the presence of clots. However, they can reveal some conditions, triggered by clots, that lead to chest pain and shortness of breath. Electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG is a painless test. It simply records your heart's electrical activity, revealing abnormalities associated with a pulmonary embolism. Computerized tomography (CT) scan. In a CT scan, a contrast dye is injected into a vein, and your lungs or brain are scanned for signs of clots. Cerebral Angiography. This test involves a catheter, x-ray imaging and an injected contrast dye to get clear images of blood vessels in the brain. Carotid Ultrasound. This painless test images the carotid arteries with sound waves to look for blockages or narrowing, which can increase the risk of a stroke. Ventilation perfusion. Ventilation perfusion is a test in which a chemical is used to identify air inhaled into the lungs. This is then compared with the blood flow in the arteries to reveal the presence of a pulmonary embolism. Once all of the appropriate tests are performed, your doctor should be able to diagnose you with a certain type of clot. Treatment will depend, to some extent, on the type and location of your clot. Major types of clots include: Thrombus. A thrombus is a blood clot that develops in the veins or arteries. Embolus. An embolus is a thrombus that has moved from the bloodstream to another location. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a common and dangerous clot, usually formed in a major vein in the leg (though sometimes also appearing in the arms, pelvis, or other parts of the body). It blocks blood flow and causes pain and swelling.

SUMMARY:
Seek medical treatment immediately. Give your doctor a complete health history. Have a physical exam. Comply with any laboratory tests your doctor orders. Get imaging tests or ventilation perfusion to diagnose a blood clot in the lungs. Get a specific diagnosis.