My Pet Is Unconscious, What Could Have Happened?
Loss of consciousness occurs at various levels, and has multiple causes. Stupor, for example, is a depressed state of consciousness in which the animal only responds to strong stimuli.
The coma, however, is a state of unconsciousness in which the animal does not wake up, even with painful stimuli. Therefore, if a pet is unconscious, what could have happened?
In order to reverse the animal’s state of unconsciousness, it will be essential to establish the degree and the cause. And now, from there, stabilize the animal and try to regain consciousness.
My pet is unconscious, how should I act?
Of course, the first answer should be to go to a professional. Above all, because most situations that cause unconsciousness are serious and can endanger the life of the animal. It is advisable to contact a veterinarian and that he gives the guidelines to follow.
Step one: locate the focus of unconsciousness
The neurological examination should be used to locate the probable site of the pathology leading to stupor or coma. Regardless of location, the ability to walk and maintain posture is non-existent in both cases, and spinal reflexes may appear normal or increased.
If the lesion is in the cerebral hemispheres
The organs innervated by the cranial nerves may be altered, which is usually appreciated by evaluating the eyes . For example, there may be a lack of response of the pupils to direct light or even blindness.
If the lesion is in the brainstem
It can also affect the cranial nerves, as we saw in the previous section. Again, it will be the eyes that will most likely give the clue. Dilated pupils, strabismus, absence of physiological nystagmus, etc. may appear.
Step two: investigate the cause
Due to brain dysfunction
Inflammatory or metabolic diseases, intracranial neoplasms, and hydrocephalus can cause this brain dysfunction. In most cases, they will show some degree of unconsciousness of the animal.
Due to a brain stem condition
Again, neoplasms, inflammation, etc., can lead to acute or progressive brainstem dysfunction. Treating them may require chemotherapy, antimicrobials, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Because of a brain herniation
Again, neoplasms, inflammatory diseases of the brain, or trauma can cause increased intracranial pressure. They can also cause brain tissue to herniate, potentially compressing the brain stem.
For metabolic causes
Metabolic diseases can generate diffuse brain dysfunction with progressive signs. This becomes evident first with the alteration of the vision, until the stupor or the coma arrives.
This is the case of diabetic coma, heat stroke, encephalopathies of hepatic or renal origin, hypoglycemia, hypothyroid coma, hypoxia, etc. Also toxic agents such as heavy metals, barbiturates, narcotics, ivermectin or tranquilizers can cause it.
For vascular causes
Stupor or coma can be the result of a stroke or cerebral hemorrhage, which once again causes an increase in intracranial pressure. Causes of strokes in animals include:
- trauma
- neoplasms and metastases
- bleeding disorders
- heart disease and hypertension
- thrombi due to the presence of parasites in the blood (for example, heartworm disease).
If such cardiovascular disease is suspected , coagulation tests and blood pressure measurement should be done. Cerebral infarction is approached by:
- supportive treatment for the patient,
- controlling any underlying disease
- and lowering intracranial pressure.
A quick performance
Although the causes of unconsciousness, as we have seen, are usually serious, early detection and approach can return the animal to its normal state.
Everything will depend on how quickly it acts and provide the information the owner to the veterinarian about your pet’s health, p ero, especially, the severity of the underlying cause.
