Signs of Head Trauma in Dogs

Head trauma in dogs is a fairly common thing. Often, mild to severe head trauma can be attributed to auto accidents (falling from a moving car, chasing a moving car, getting hit crossing a street), game accidents, such as being hit by a swinging bat, being hit by a ball or falling while jumping, or even something as seemingly minor as falling off furniture while sleeping or playing. If your dog has hit his head it is important to know what signs to look for and seek immediate veterinary help if he shows any signs of head trauma. Many young dogs are victims of head trauma from rough-playing children or as a result of being accidentally stepped on by their owners.

  1. Consciousness

    • Watch for any change in level of consciousness. Examples are seeming sleepy and lethargic, being unresponsive to commands or staring into space; at the other end of the spectrum, your dog may actually be over-active and seemingly too bright and alert.

    Pupil Size and Eye Movement

    • If your dog is awake, check the size of his pupils. They may be locked on a certain size regardless of light. Use a flashlight to determine if the dog's pupils change size. You may also discover that the dog's pupils are different sizes in each eye. Both of these are signals of severe head trauma. Head trauma can also cause unusual movement of the eyes, such as darting eyes or staring into space.

    Rigid or Flaccid Limbs

    • Head trauma can cause either very rigid limbs or completely flaccid limbs. If your dog is lying down and you cannot bend his legs, or if they are floppy when you move them, this is a possible indication of head trauma.

    Bleeding from Nose or Ears

    • Any bleeding from the nose or ears is a sign of severe head trauma and requires immediate emergency treatment from your veterinarian. Head trauma can cause brain swelling, which is the main cause of many of the symptoms, but if bleeding is present, there may be hemorrhaging of the brain.

    Seizures

    • If your dog has seizures, the best thing you can do for her while in the middle of a seizure is keep her down by gently holding her so that she does not do more damage to herself. Seek veterinary attention immediately.

    Tilted Head

    • Keeping the head tilted to one side is an indication of head trauma caused by pressure on one side of the brain.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    • Your veterinarian will likely perform several tests to determine the severity of the head trauma, from a neurological examination to X-rays and CT scans. Treatment will likely involve an IV drip to keep your dog hydrated, pain medication and medication to reduce the swelling. Some sedatives may be given as well, to keep your dog from moving or thrashing about and aggravating the condition.