The circulatory collapse in dogs: what to do in case of syncope?
If your dog suddenly suffers a circulatory collapse and this only for a few seconds, then it is called syncope. What are the symptoms and causes, and how should you act? You will learn here.
A horror scenario for every dog owner: Your pet has collapsed to the ground and is no longer reacting. Unconsciousness can occur for many reasons. A syncope, i.e., a circulatory collapse in a dog, is one.
What is syncope?
A dog suffers a sudden fainting spell in a syncope without any signs. The strange thing is that unconsciousness due to circulatory collapse lasts only a short time. After only a few seconds, the dog is back on its feet. He is awake and usually behaves – as if nothing had happened.
The circulatory collapse in dogs: This is what happens
Syncope occurs when the brain is briefly no longer supplied with sufficient blood and thus with enough oxygen. The dog then reacts with a fainting fit and falls to the side; then, the blood reaches the brain better again. The animal then regains consciousness. But how does a circulatory collapse occur in a dog?
Possible causes of syncope
The reasons for a circulatory collapse in dogs are manifold. However, syncope is a symptom, i.e., an indication of another disease. Frequently, syncope in dogs is based on heart and brain diseases. This can be, for example, cardiac arrhythmia, valvular disease, vasoconstriction, or even a brain tumor.
It is usually tricky to distinguish syncope from an epileptic seizure. Both are very similar. However, the dog’s behavior during the loss of consciousness is crucial.
Convulsions almost always accompany epileptic seizures. The quadruped rows with their limbs salivate and jerk violently with the head, whereas dogs slump limply during a syncope.
Syncope in dogs: What to do?
Since the circulatory collapse in dogs can indicate a severe medical condition, you should not hesitate to see a veterinarian if your dog only has a fainting spell for a few seconds.
The veterinarian can perform various tests such as blood tests, ultrasound, and X-ray examinations to provide information about the underlying disease. He will then begin appropriate treatment.
The circulatory collapse in dogs: how is it treated?
Syncope is not treated directly. The therapy depends on the underlying disease. While for some conditions that can cause circulatory collapse, medication and possibly a change in diet are sufficient, surgery may well be necessary for other conditions, such as a brain tumor.
