Symptoms & Treatment for Dog Concussion: Quick Guide
Signs of Concussion in Dogs
When a dog suffers from a concussion, it may exhibit a range of symptoms. The affected canine may present with tense muscles throughout its body, a stiff neck, and a disruption in its balance, rendering it unable to stand. The dog may also appear dazed and confused. Its eyes may remain halfclosed, with the conjunctiva showing a treelike pattern of congestion. One eye might exhibit a squint, and the ears may droop. Reflexes such as the pinprick, abdominal wall, perineal, and anal reflexes are typically present, but the right corneal reflex and pupillary light response may be delayed and unresponsive, and the ear reflex may be less pronounced. The tongue and gum mucosa may appear slightly pale, and the dog may drool excessively.
Treatment Methods for Dog Concussion
In treating a dog with a concussion, it is crucial to address the affected nervous system, focusing on measures to reduce pressure, inflammation, and promote healing and recovery through a comprehensive approach.
Western Medicine: The treatment regimen includes intravenous injections of 100mL of 5% glucose, 2 vials each of ATP, coenzyme A, and vitamin C, 200mg of sodium citrate, and 2mg of dexamethasone, administered twice daily. Oral supplementation with multivitamins, calcium tablets, and brain recovery tablets is also recommended, along with feeding a diet rich in lecithin, such as fish products.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: The herbal formula consists of 100g each of Tianma (Gastrodia elata), Quanxie (Buthus martensii), and Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong, prepared with wine), 12g each of Wugong (Scolopendra subspinipes), Dilong (Pheretima), and Jiangcan (Bombyx batryticatus, fried with bran), 8g each of Shishupu (Acorus tatarinowii), Xuanfuhua (Inula japonica), and Juhua (Chrysanthemum). This mixture is taken twice daily in two doses, brewed in water. Additionally, acupuncture is performed using needles at points such as Fen Shui (Bladder 2), Shan Gen (Governor Vessel 20), Huaniao (Gallbladder 30), Tian Men (Large Intestine 23), and Bai Hui (Du 20). Furthermore, it is essential to enhance the dog's care and management, avoiding any stimuli that could be detrimental to its mental state, to facilitate a swift recovery.
