Head trauma is rather common in dogs due to their active and sometimes unpredictable nature. Being dropped, falling and blunt force trauma to the head are all ways that dogs can experience a concussion, but the most common cause is being hit by a car. Fighting with other animals can also cause a concussion. Because concussions can cause serious problems, such as seizures, it is important that they be properly treated immediately.
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What Is a Concussion?
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A concussion is a serious injury to the brain, such as bruising, bleeding or damage to nerve fibers, that occurs during violent head trauma. A dog with a concussion has usually been knocked unconscious for a period of time. The severity of the concussion determines how long the dog is unconscious--a dog with a mild concussion may black out for only a few moments, while one with a severe concussion may be out for days. The swelling of delicate brain tissues as well as internal bleeding can cause the death of millions of brain cells known as neurons.
Concussion Symptoms
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You may not always know right away that your dog has experienced a concussion unless you have witnessed the incident yourself. Some telltale symptoms of head trauma in dogs are dilated pupils (even in bright light), erratic eye movements, difference in pupil size, nose or ear bleeds, disorientation or dizziness and seizures. Less severe symptoms include nausea, vomiting, frequent head tilting in one direction, uncoordinated movements and stiff or flaccid legs.
Concussive Seizures
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A seizure can occur at the moment of injury, or later--and any time in between. Seizures can potentially occur weeks or even months after the injury due to the post-injury scar tissue in the brain. Depending on the extent of the brain injury, your dog may experience grand mal or partial seizures. During a grand mal seizure, your dog may twitch, paddle with his feet, drool and chomp repeatedly--but most obviously, he will collapse and experience a rigid extension of his legs. During a partial seizure, the twitching or rigidity will be limited to just one part of his body. Prior to a seizure, your dog will experience a period called the aura, in which he may salivate or drool excessively and be unusually restless or anxious.
Seizure Treatment
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If your dog experiences a seizure, the most important thing you can do is remain calm. Your dog will be very anxious and scared, and your emotional state can have an impact on him. When the seizure starts, do not restrain your dog, but do make sure he isn't near anything that could harm him. Don't go near his mouth, as he may snap or bite without realizing what he's doing. Dogs can't swallow their tongues, so do not attempt to restrain his tongue in any way. Most seizures last only a minute or so, but call the vet as soon as possible, as the seizure may indicate more serious brain trauma than a mild concussion.
Veterinary Treatment
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If you suspect a concussion or witness your dog having seizures, it is important to get to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Your dog may receive medications to reduce brain swelling as well as drugs like Valium to control seizures. Neurological evaluations will be made frequently, and will likely be repeated months later to make sure there are no lingering ill effects. Other treatments your vet may consider include oxygen therapy, IV fluids and pain medication.
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