Symptoms & Treatment: Dog Concussion Guide
Concussions and contusions of the brain are acute neurological conditions resulting from粗暴 (brutal) force applied to the skull. Generally, injuries with visible changes are termed brain contusions, while those without morphological alterations are referred to as concussions.
Causes: These conditions are primarily caused by head impacts during traffic accidents, deliberate blows to the animal's head, or sudden falls to the ground or from a height while in motion.
Symptoms: Following injury, animals may immediately lapse into a state of unconsciousness, lose consciousness, and exhibit diminished or absent reflexes. They may have a rapid and irregular heartbeat, weakened or uneven breathing, and may experience fecal and urinary incontinence. Vomiting is common, and physical examination may reveal signs of head trauma or evidence of violence.
Treatment and Prevention: Initially, apply ice packs to the head to reduce swelling. Administer intramuscular injections of hemostatic agents like etamsylate or tranexamic acid to stop bleeding. Intravenous administration of 20% mannitol, combined with high doses of dexamethasone (1mg per kilogram of body weight) for 2 to 3 days, can help prevent and treat brain edema. For animals with neurological symptoms, chlorpromazine (1mg per kilogram of body weight) can be administered intramuscularly. Throughout the treatment, enhanced care and support are crucial to facilitate recovery.
