Can dogs have concussions and what are their reactions?

When most people hear the term “concussion” they think it is a human condition, but in fact, dogs can also suffer concussions from strong external impacts, such as car accidents, falls from heights, fights, etc. What is a concussion? A concussion is a transient brain dysfunction that occurs immediately after a blow to the head from an external force. There is no significant change in pathological changes and the mechanism of occurrence is still much debated. Clinical manifestations are transient coma, near event amnesia and symptoms such as headache, nausea and vomiting, with no positive physical findings on neurological examination. It is the mildest form of brain injury and is mostly curable with treatment. It can occur alone or in combination with other craniocerebral injuries such as intracranial hematoma. Symptoms 1. Impairment of consciousness: light and brief, can be as short as a few seconds or minutes, but no more than half an hour. 2. Recent amnesia: after waking up, the situation and the injury can not be recalled, but the things before the injury can be clearly recalled. 3. 4. No positive signs on neurological examination. Diagnosis based on 1. transient coma immediately after head injury, within 30 minutes, after waking up, there are often symptoms such as forgetfulness of recent events, headache, dizziness, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, tinnitus, inattention, etc., blood pressure, respiration and pulse are basically normal. 2. no positive signs on neurological examination, lumbar puncture examination of cerebrospinal fluid pressure and composition is normal. Treatment: 1. Concussion dogs should be kept in the hospital for 2-3 days for short-term observation after injury, and changes in consciousness, pupils and vital signs should be observed regularly to detect possible complications of intracranial hematoma. 2. Proper bed rest and reduction of mental and physical work. 3. Symptomatic supportive treatment. 4. Spiritual encouragement to eliminate worries. Medication: 1. Analgesics and sleeping agents may be given to dogs with headache and insomnia, respectively. 2. Intravenous fluid supplementation for early post-injury vomiting that is obvious and affects feeding. Note that if the dog has a concussion, the condition should be closely observed, with special attention to changes in breathing and mental status. If necessary, further examination should be made in order to make immediate diagnosis and corresponding treatment.