What is Fainting?
Symptoms of Fainting in Dogs
- Flaccid and sudden collapse
- Usually there is no urination or defecation during the episode
- Dog is unresponsive during the episode
- Abrupt and complete recovery
- Pale mucus membranes
Causes of Fainting in Dogs
Most syncopal events in dogs are due to a temporal reduction in brain blood flow. A decrease in cardiac output or less vascular resistance reduces arterial pressure and may result in reduction of cerebral blood flow. Cardiac diseases are related to two-thirds of the syncope episodes seen in dogs and cats.
Neurologic- Abnormal brain activity
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Atrioventricular block
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Heart tumors
- Low concentration of glucose, calcium, sodium in blood
- Use of diuretics and vasodilator drugs
- Flaccid and sudden collapse
- Usually there is no urination or defecation during the episode
- Dog is unresponsive during the episode
- Abrupt and complete recovery
- Pale mucus membranes
Diagnosis of Fainting in Dogs
It is important to provide the veterinarian with as much information about the fainting episode as possible, this will help him/her to distinguish seizures from syncope and to identify the underlying cause. Since most fainting episodes occur in the presence of the dog owner and not of the veterinarian it is important to pay attention to how the dog collapses. Taking a short video, if possible, and showing it to the veterinarian, can be a great way of helping your pet.
Fainting is not a disease but a syndrome; therefore, it is very important to identify what is causing the episodes in order to adequately treat the patient. Diagnosis starts with a through physical examination and gathering of the patient’s clinical history. Owners should inform the veterinarian about any drugs that the patient is taking.
The veterinarian will start with a thorough physical examination to detect any abnormalities, especially in heart function. Meticulous auscultation will allow detection of cardiac disease signs such as a murmur, arrhythmia, pulse deficit or signs of reduced cardiac output such as pale mucous membranes. If there is evidence of cardiovascular disease the following diagnostic test may be needed:
- An electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess resting heart rate and rhythm
- Echocardiography to assess cardiac dimensions and function
- Full haematology and serum biochemistry to assess whether there is evidence of reduced organ perfusion and/or other systemic disease
- Thoracic radiographs to assess whether there are signs of congestive heart failure
Treatment of Fainting in Dogs
Syncope episodes are temporary and reversible; once the cause of syncope has been identified the veterinarian will recommend an appropriate treatment. For example, if an abnormally low heart rate is detected, the dog may need a permanent pacemaker to stimulate heart function. If the episodes were caused by a given medication, treatment withdraw will probably suffice.
Recovery of Fainting in Dogs
After a fainting episode it is important to detect the cause and to prevent recurrent episodes. It is important to be vigilant of any future episodes and, in such cases, contact your veterinarian immediately. If cardiac insufficiency was the cause, strenuous exercise should be avoided and the veterinarian’s indications should be followed rigorously. In these cases, patients tend to have poor prognosis. Dogs with fainting history will probably need various medical check ups during the year.
Fainting Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Fainting in dogs is something that should never be ignored and should be investigated to ensure that the cause isn’t something more serious. Fainting in dogs may be caused by heart disease, lack of blood flow to the brain, brain tumours, infections, low concentrations of blood constituents, poisoning, side effects of medication or narcolepsy (usually occurs after excitement or other stimulus). A physical examination including chest x-rays, blood tests and other tests would be carried out to help determine the cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
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my dog got really excited and just fell over stiff. got back up in a few minutes totally fine but seemed startled.
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It sounds like Bandit may have narcolepsy; it can occur when a dog gets over excited they just collapse to the floor and then get up like nothing happened; it can be misdiagnosed as a seizure, but seizures are usually violent episodes with shaking, incontinence etc… There is no treatment for narcolepsy, but it is harmless and doesn’t progress in severity. Visit your Veterinarian for a neurological exam to ensure that nothing more sinister is occurring. Please check the link below. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
https://www.vetary.com/dog/condition/narcolepsy-and-cataplexy
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I have an 11 year old Jack Russell Terrier who fell over stiff a couple days ago after coughing and now is breathing rapidly (34 breaths per minute). She is at the worst at night. She was diagnosed with a stage 3 heart murmur 6 months ago. Could this be her heart failing?
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Fainting has two main causes; neurological problems or not enough blood circulation to the brain usually due to low cardiac output, if Angel’s heart doesn’t supply enough oxygenated blood to the brain she may faint and recover afterwards. The physiological resting respiratory rate in dogs is between 18-34 putting Angel at the top of the normal physiological range. Whilst fainting isn’t a direct sign of heart failure, it maybe a sign of heart failure in smaller breed dogs like Jack Russell Terriers with chronic valve disease. I would recommend visiting your Veterinarian to have a look at Angel (an echocardiogram would be useful in the diagnosis) as medical management may help to reduce the work load on the heart. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
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My old f. Yorkie is a rescue dog. I've had her at least 10 yrs. She is blind & hard of hearing. She's been eating well, but recently she's fell over two instances, and when l picked her up she was lifeless & limp like a wet noodle. I ran twice to my bed room & have her mouth to mouth bought her back. I'm afraid she MAYBE dying!!?? ;(
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If Babygirl keeps having these episodes, it may be a case that her heart or another body system is failing; sometimes the heart may not be able to pump a sufficient amount of blood to the brain which causes a dog to faint and go limp and after a short period of time the dog would regain consciousness. I would strongly recommend visiting your Veterinarian for a physical examination and to see if Babygirl requires any medical management for any current condition. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
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Lexy, my 13 year old Maltese had 2 fainting episodes today. She was previously diagnosed with a Grade 5 heart murmur (?) and tracheal collapse. Prior to both episodes she was coughing. Veterinarian prescribed Vetmedin 1.25 - 1 tablet in morning and 1/2 tablet in evening. I understand that this is to allow the heart to beat stronger thereby improving blood flow.
My question is: should another of these episodes happen, what should I do right at that time? She was completely limp and unresponsive both times. I picked her up, kept gently shaking her, calling her name. Is there anything else I should do?
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It can be distressing when you see your loved one go limp after a coughing fit; this would be due to the lack of oxygen to the brain causing Lexy to pass out, which stops her coughing so she can start breathing normally again. Without treating the tracheal collapse (which may not be desireable in an older dog) or respiratory infection if present, there isn’t really much to do. Supplemental oxygen after an episode may help but the procurement of equipment make it prohibitive. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
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My dog fainted shortly after eating some chicken. That's what I believe happened because I looked over and she was passed out on the ground laying on her side. Her eyes were closed and she was making a soft whimpering noise. I called her name several times and she was unresponsive to me. She opened her eyes about 15 seconds later. She couldn't get up because her legs gave out on her. What could be the cause? I know she is old, but I am really concerned.
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There are numerous different conditions which may be affecting Tiny which may be connected to eating (postprandial hypotension) and other conditions like heart conditions, neurological disorders, hormonal, metabolic etc… I cannot really suggest anything without examining Tiny, it would be best to have a neurological examination and blood tests with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
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My beloved Ruby is a female 15 year old Yorkie-Poo with advanced heart disease and has been having episodes of syncope of over a year. We have her on meds and try to keep her as calm as possible but she had an episode today and I noticed that the length of time that she was unconscious was longer than it has been previously. Is this an indication that she is nearing the end? I can't take her back to the vet as it would be too upsetting for her and would likely cause big problems for her. Thank you so much!
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Fainting in older dogs with heart conditions is usually attributable to the heart being unable to pump enough blood to the brain to keep the dog conscious; there are medications which help the contractility of the heart which may be of benefit but this would require a visit to your Veterinarian. Since I haven’t examined Ruby I cannot comment in full, but fainting is a symptom which is to be expected in certain heart conditions. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
It's really not $2800-6000 just a estimate. The first visit with everything is close to $1200. But that's because the first guess was heart failure. But It can be more then just heart disease. My dog also has pulmonary hypertension as well, medication was also prescribed. Your dog can have a tumor the Vet has to check what the problem is before a complete diagnosis. So let's be real there's no way to tell what the exact problem is until you go to the vet and have test done. Your lucky your even provided with a suggestion online. ✌🏽
These so called doctors act like everyone has $2800 to $6000 to just go give them for a check up much like doctors for people all in it for the all mighty dollar and nothing else than their personal gain. Can't give you any ideas cause there are only and few. And he would lose his living if the public ever found that out. So make sure you take your money and your pet In that order to the local vet
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My three year old JRT has had two fainting episodes in 48 hours, no other symptoms what so ever. I have had him at the vet and all his bloods are good. The 2nd episode, he knew was coming on, both are after excitement ( people coming in unannounced). He ran to his bed with his ears back and then fainted, on his side, and stretched his head back, sat up dazed and after a minute was running around again. My vet says wait and see but wee are concerned. The only other thing I can notice, is that perhaps he is sleeping a little more than usual. Also prior to this I noticed at the park he wasn't socialising with the other dogs as he usually does.
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I have a 12 yr old shih tzu who has suddenly started having episodes and was wondering if it could be congestive heart failure. He also has a skin condition and was recently treated for worms. He has very little physical activity.
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Coughing is usually the first symptom of congestive heart failure along with lethargy and a loss of appetite; the yelping and falling back may be due to pain from numerous causes. Taking Malcolm to his Veterinarian for an examination (auscultation and x-rays would be the basic examination) would be best to give you a diagnosis and for your Veterinarian to discuss treatment with you. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Yesterday I came home an found my 10 year old 3 pd yorkie dead on the floor. She has had a cough when she would get excited. Out of the blues one night she got upset barking an just fell over her legs got still. I picked her up an she came out of it an was ok again. Few days later I found her dead. My heart breaks because I didn't get time to get her to a vet an find whst caused the fainting. Or the coughing. We were at the very aweek ago exam said her heart sounded good. Her coat shined an eyes clear just if she got upset but she didn't have an appetite those last 3 or 4 days Pryor to her death. This,was all so sudden. I'm looking for answers an heart broken.
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Kalou was completely fine but fainted twice while running in the forest 4 days ago. When he was back he just got on his feet and continued running like nothing happened. Since then theres no symptoms but Im still worried it might happen again.
On auscultation I couldnt detect any murmurs or abnormal sounds, but the heart rate increases sometimes very sudden for several seconds and goes back to normal.
Maybe you have some ideas?
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There are a few different causes of fainting in dogs including dilated cardiomyopathy, heart arrhythmias, narcolepsy, brain inflammation, brain tumours, side effects of some medications or low blood pressure; approximately 65% of fainting episodes are heart related. With Kalou being a Doberman, there is a 44% chance (according to one study) of him having dilated cardiomyopathy; there may or may not be sounds during auscultation, but an x-ray of his chest would show heart enlargement. Also, an ECG would be a useful diagnosis tool to look for any other heart irregularities including blocks, arrhythmias and fibrillation. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
what is the reason when the dog suddenly fell abruptly after urinate and then suddenly he stood as if nothing happened, one time I noticed blood in his mouth as he bit his tongue . Please help me , what is the cause of it ? I'm just worried for my vet.
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My 14 year old chihuahua has congestive heart failure and is on medication. She had a re-check appointment last week and the cardiologist was satisfied with her condition. Since then she has collapsed 2 times. Both times were after giving medication. She falls over, starts moaning, and pees on herself. But does not lose consciousness. Ten minutes later she recovers and is back to looking for treats. Please advise?
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