Traumatic Brain Injuries in Pets: What Owners Need to Know
Any blunt force trauma to the head can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Whatever the cause of the primary injury to the brain, TBI typically results in further health problems that must be addressed without delay.
Signs to Look Out For
After a TBI, a pet’s brain may swell from the impact and subsequent inflammation. Because it is fully enclosed in the skull, brain swelling compresses the blood vessels and restricts blood flow. The body’s response to this is to increase blood pressure to the brain. In the absence of a visible wound on the head, eyes, ears, nose or neck, an owner might not be aware of a pet’s condition. Always watch for:
- Any changes in behavior, such as hiding, pacing, circling around, head pressing, etc.
- Abnormal pupil sizes
- Labored breathing
- Imbalanced gait
- Loss of coordination or consciousness
- Mobility problems
- A dazed look
- Vision problems
- Lethargy
- Abnormal heart rate
- Seizures
- Confusion
Every Moment Counts
Whether an owner knows or suspects a TBI in a pet, it’s best to have them evaluated immediately to limit the secondary injuries caused by the TBI. We prioritize the care of TBI in pets based on an initial survey of any life-threatening issues.
- The appearance and size of the pupils helps to understand possible intracranial pressure.
- Low heart rate and high blood pressure can signal elevated risk of brain herniation.
- Neurological testing helps us understand and stabilize breathing and cardiovascular functioning.
The More We Know
Managing traumatic brain injuries in pets includes close monitoring of the blood pressure, electrolytes, arterial oxygen levels, and carbon dioxide pressure. Advanced imaging can provide location and severity of skull fractures and even show brain damage. Radiographs are helpful, but a CT scan and/or MRI are essential tools in understanding the full extent of a pet’s TBI.
Prognosis of TBI in pets
To reduce the impact of secondary injuries to the brain from the initial, or primary injury, various prescription medications may be necessary to control blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and decrease pain. Anti-emetic medication is also typically prescribed as well as IV fluids, oxygen support, and wound management.
Some pets may have long-term neurological challenges related to a TBI that require support, medication, and physical therapy. Other pets can recover fully. The difference between outcomes may be related to the type, location, and severity of the TBI, the immediate response and intervention by an emergency veterinarian, and the health, age, and history of the patient.
If you have any questions or concerns about brain injuries in pets, and how to help prevent, screen, and treat TBI, our veterinarians are always here to help at Animal Medical Hospital and Urgent Care.