Overview
As humans , we ’re all very familiar with the risk of concussion in recreational activities like sports and bicycle - equitation . preclude concussions is the reasonableness we wear helmets on bike and motorcycles , and while toy football . But can dog get concussions , too ?
While the theme of a dog in a football helmet is pretty darn adorable , most of them do n’t abide such large head gear . In this clause , we ’ll go over what dog concussions look like , and what preventive measure we take to keep our canine companions safe .
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury ( TBI ) that can be induce in two ways . The first drive , which most of us are familiar with , is a lineal bump or vaunt to the head . The 2d is when the trunk experiences a sudden jolting or jostle move that results in the mental capacity colliding with the inside of the skull .
Can Dogs Get Concussions?
Yes , dog can get concussions . concussion are harder to diagnose in hotdog than they are in humans because dogs ca n’t evidence us what pass off or how they ’re feeling . This is specially straight if the concussion is very mild or if the traumatic consequence was n’t find by a human .
Just like in world , a dog concussion can range from mild to severe . While we presume brain trauma in dog is very similar to humans , we ca n’t say for sure if dogs experience all the same symptom as masses , such asheadaches , memory passing , and environ in the ears .
Symptoms of Concussions in Dogs
Because it ’s hard to recognize blackguard concussion symptoms , if you ’re noticing them , it ’s likely the trauma is significant enough that they should have medical care . If you see symptoms of a concussion in your dog , get them to a veterinarian as soon as potential .
signaling of concussion in dogs include :
Because a circumstances of concussion in wiener are triggered by traumatic injuries , such as being hit by a car , it ’s not rare for detent to have other wound concurrently with a concussion , like a broken leg .
Causes of Dog Concussions
Most cases of read/write head trauma in firedog are related to accidents , especially cable car accidents .
Other vulgar causes of dog concussions include :
Treating Dog Concussions
A mild concussion may not require hospitalization and might improve on its own , but the favorite should still be evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure it ’s not more grievous than you think .
Treatment for Mild Concussions
If your vet thinks the head injury is mild , they may simply commend that you monitor your frank at home base and return if symptoms exacerbate or do n’t improve . At - home monitoring and discourse is more likely in cases where the head bump was less pregnant , such as the favorite running into a table , colliding with another dog , or have a little fall .
Your veterinarian will in all likelihood commend that your frump rest for at least a duad days and may prescribemedications to deoxidize painand anxiety during the recovery catamenia . They may also recommend that your pet ’s head outride elevated 15 - 25 degrees from the ground when resting . If your veterinarian does recommend this head locating , they can show you the good direction to achieve it . ensure your pup is not log Z’s with their neck kink up , as this can sham blood flow .
Treatment for Severe Concussions
More severe head trauma in dogs , such as concussion from a car accident , fall from significant altitude , or getting struck by a baseball bat usually require hospitalization .
If your pet is having meaning signs of concussion , the veterinarian may desire to perform imaging to assess the damage . This may include radiographs of the head to look for skull geological fault , a computed imaging ( CT ) glance over to look for skull break and hemorrhage , or charismatic resonance imaging ( MRI ) to look at the genius itself .
In example requiring hospitalisation , intervention will be focused on maintaining respectable blood current to the brain and decreasing the pressure in the skull . Your veterinarian should assess your pet ’s overall neurologic status to help you determine if they ’re likely to better with discussion . Determining the rigorousness of learning ability injury is important for making character of life decisions before pursuing discussion . seriously injured pets have a downhearted probability of reclaim . Those that do live on may have a long rehabilitation route forrader of them .
intervention for hospitalise patient could include :
How to Prevent Concussions in Dogs
Not all cases of concussion can be prevented , and accidents do chance to the expert of favourite parent . However , there are steps you’re able to take to reduce the likelihood of concussion , such as :
Keep in nous that if your ducky is showing symptoms of concussion , they should be seen by a veterinary surgeon as soon as potential , even if you ’re not certain that they actually have one . There are other condition , such asmeningitis , that may stage like symptoms , and anything that causes sign of concussion warrants an evaluation by a veterinarian .
