Considering their tough skulls, it may be surprising to learn that dogs are susceptible to concussions.
Fortunately, these kinds of injuries are relatively rare. The symptoms of concussions in dogs are not dissimilar to the ones seen in people, but the condition is tougher to diagnose since you can’t ask the patient questions about what they are experiencing.
For the sake of simplicity, we’ll use the term “concussion” in this article, but note that this is not the term used in veterinary medicine. Veterinary professionals refer to them as traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs.
Causes of Concussions in Dogs
Being the energetic characters they are, dogs are bound to bump their heads. Most pet parents have witnessed their dog crashing into a table when diving for a toy. This kind of minor incident is not normally a cause for concern.
Injuries significant enough to cause a concussion often arise from car accidents, dog fights (for example, when a big dog grabs and shakes a little dog) and falling or being dropped from a significant height. Horses and other farm animals will frequently react to a wandering dog with a swift kick. Of course, a blunt blow to the head by an object like a baseball bat can also cause serious damage.
Concussion Symptoms in Dogs
The signs of a concussion will vary depending on the severity of the trauma. If a dog loses consciousness, immediate veterinary care is in order. Other potential concussions symptoms include:
- Abnormally dilated or constricted pupils (may not be symmetrical when looking at both eyes)
- Rapid, unusual eye movements
- Disorientation
- Difficulty standing, walking or remaining balanced
- Appearing depressed and/or lethargic
- Vomiting
- Seizures or convulsions
- Nosebleeds
As always, it’s better to err on the side of caution if you suspect a problem. Your veterinarian will be able to evaluate the injury and proceed from there.
Treatment of Concussions in Dogs
Treatment will depend on the specifics of the injury and observable symptoms. Initial priorities will be ensuring an unobstructed airway, getting optimal levels of oxygen to the brain and treating any brain swelling. Blood pressure will be monitored and the dog might require intravenous fluids. If the dog is having seizures, an anticonvulsant will be given.
Some symptoms may only become evident over time. Therefore, veterinarians often recommend that dogs with potential brain injuries are kept in the hospital for observation.
After being released from the hospital, dogs with concussions need to be closely monitored and should avoid any vigorous exercise. Medications for pain or seizures may be prescribed. Depending on the long-term effects of the injury, physical therapy might also be recommended.
Although there is only so much that can be done for the initial brain injury, veterinarians can do a great deal to prevent secondary problems. With prompt veterinary care, many dogs will make a full recovery.
In conclusion, although concussions are an infrequent canine problem, they should not be ignored. To help your dogs avoid injury, keep them away from unpredictable dogs, unsecured high places and traffic. Having a fenced yard and using a leash in public will prevent many of the kinds of incidents that lead to traumatic brain injuries in dogs.