Symptoms of Head Trauma in Dogs
The signs for dogs with head trauma are very similar to human symptoms. Cuts, bruises, or lumps on the head may indicate trauma to the head along with:
If you notice these signs, especially after a recent blow to the head, bring your pet into the veterinarian immediately for treatment.
Types
Several types of injuries to the brain can occur due to trauma to the head itself.
Concussion – The most common form of head trauma; a concussion is when the brain is violently traumatized from an impact, and can cause temporary or permanent damage
Contusion – A direct impact to the head causes this condition, characterized by bleeding on the brain.
Coup-Contrecoup – This occurs when there is a contusion at the site of impact and one on the opposite side from the brain hitting the inside of the skull
Diffuse Axonal – This is caused by strong shaking or rotation, and is characterized by tearing of the nerve tissues; this condition can cause damage that is spread across several areas of the brain
Diagnosis of Head Trauma in Dogs
If your dog experiences head trauma, there are several tests that are likely to be done to assess the level of damage that has occurred. Your veterinarian will get information about the onset of the signs and about the dog’s overall medical history. Blood will be drawn to get a complete blood count and biochemistry profile which will help uncover any toxins or imbalances that might be present. These samples will be compared with previous tests to check for changes in the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
X-rays of the head and neck area may be helpful in determining if there is any fracturing of the skull where the trauma occurred, although a computerized tomography (CT) scan will get a clearer of both the skull and brain. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not yet common as an imaging technique for canines as it is expensive and requires the dog to be fully sedated, it can be useful in certain situations to diagnose injuries to the brain and spinal cord.
My rottie shes 8 shes a pain if any anbody comes door goes terribale the other rottie knocked she knoked her know shes got one of hell of big lump oner head she squealed in pain shes so bully thanked the writer. blurted this.
My puppy had a big goose sized bump on his head. We have other dogs and assumed he just bumped it. We got to the vet and she shaved the area…. She then removed the fluid and put him on an inti-inflammatory in addition to the warm compress. Im happy to have a piece of mind, but unhappy because my 10 week old puppy now looks like a unicorn thanked the writer. blurted this.
Goose Walks On Her Dog Brother’s Head To Wake Him Up | The Dodo Odd Couples
While we like to think that nothing bad will ever happen to our beloved dog, accidents happen, and dogs may wind up with a head injury. Unfortunately, you can’t call an ambulance for your dog, so what are you supposed to do in this situation? VETMED in Phoenix, Arizona, understands that the situation is stressful and scary and is here to help you.
Pet owners are likely to think any little bump is a big deal because they love their pets. While small bumps to the noggin aren’t likely to lead to any real injury, other cases will require serious care, so it is important to know what to do in these situations. In some instances, you won’t even see an accident happen, so you also need to know what head trauma looks like in dogs.
If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your dog in to see a veterinarian right away—even if you aren’t aware of any head trauma. These symptoms can be signs of different injuries or illnesses that need to be dealt with immediately.
While dogs have thicker skulls than humans, they can still damage their skulls or brains. Dogs can suffer from many of the same head injuries as humans. The most common causes of head injuries in dogs are car accidents, falls, and roughhousing. Falling from high elevation and car accidents can lead to some very severe injuries.
Concussions are the most common form of head trauma in dogs. Generally, dogs make a full recovery from a concussion, but delayed treatment or extreme head trauma can lead to a concussion-causing permanent brain damage.
Dogs can also have brain bleeding and swelling. Both conditions are very serious and require immediate medical attention. Bleeding in the brain causes increased pressure inside the skull, causing worsening damage to nerves and message centers in the brain. Swelling can cause the brain to become too large for the skull, which leads to the loss of brain function. Both brain bleeds and swelling can lead to permanent brain damage and death.
If you notice your dog displaying any of the above symptoms, you should take him or her to a veterinary hospital immediately. It is a good idea to call the hospital while en route to let them know you are coming. While on your way, you will need to be able to keep your dog calm and warm to prevent shock. Symptoms of shock include lethargy, weakness, pale gums, and a racing heart.
Some dogs with head injuries have external wounds. Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to any freely bleeding wounds to try to slow the bleeding. It is a good idea to bring a second person with you on the trip to the hospital just in case your dog’s condition worsens.