What is Fainting?
Fainting or syncope is defined as loss of consciousness accompanied by loss of postural tone for a short time because of a temporarily insufficient supply of oxygen or decreased delivery of essential nutrients (e.g. glucose) to the brain. During a fainting episode, a dog will collapse and become limp. The most susceptible breeds are Boxer, Doberman and Great Dane. This syndrome is often associated with cardiac disease and identifying the underlying cause is crucial.
Fainting, also called syncope, is a loss of consciousness that is typically due to a lack of normal blood flow to the brain. Fainting in dogs is typically attributed to one of two main problems: neurologic (e.g. to do with the brain or spinal cord) or cardiac (e.g. heart arrhythmias, heart failure etc.).
Fainting Average Cost
From 12 quotes ranging from $2,500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$2,800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
Symptoms of Fainting in Dogs
- Flacid 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 temporary 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.
Neurological
- Abnormal brain activity
Cardiac
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Atrioventricular block
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Heart tumors
Others
- Low concentration of glucose, calcium, sodium in blood
- Use of diuretics and vasodilator drugs
Characteristics
- 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 or a symptom; therefore, it is very important to identify what is causing the episodes in order to adequately treat the patient. Diagnosis starts with a thorough 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 and physical exam 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 withdrawal will probably suffice.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
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, to contact your veterinarian immediately. If cardiac insufficiency was the cause, strenuous exercise should be avoided and the veterinarian’s instructions should be followed rigorously. In these cases, patients tend to have a poor prognosis. Dogs with fainting history will probably need various medical check ups during the year.
Fainting Average Cost
From 12 quotes ranging from $2,500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$2,800
Top
Fainting Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
West Highland White Terrier
BJ
15 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dehydrated
Dizziness
Weak Bladder
Faint
Weak Joints
Hi, I have a 15 year old dog named BJ whom I had all my life (he will be 16 in a few days) and he's had about 3/4 faint spells in the past week and a half. On the first one, he walked outside and went to the bathroom and went to walk down the sidewalk and stopped like his legs didn't work. He tried to take a step but knew his legs were going to give out. When I picked him up his head went limp and his eyes looked dazed and when I laid him down he peed on himself. A minute later and he was fine. He is a healthy dog besides his hips hurt him because he is old and I give him glucosamine vitamins. His other faint spells are outside (in the 40 degree weather) or even in the house but he tighten up his legs because he knows he can't move a step, he falls over, then after a minute he's fine. He also shakes sometimes and it's uncontrollable. Does that mean anything? I went to the doctor and they prescribed Gabapentin because they said besides the first faint spell he was healthy and everything checked out. I got blood work 6 months ago and it was fine. Should I get another test for his heart? or an x-ray? Also, I went to the vet only after the first episode. Also, he drinks a lot of water after the spells. Thanks!
March 27, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
It sounds like something might be going on with BJ that needs more attention. It might be worth having repeat bloodwork since this is a new situation, and an ECG and x-ray will assess his heart function. If those things are normal, the next step might be a referral to a neurologist, to assess his neurologic function. I hope that he is okay.
March 28, 2018
My 15 year old jack Russell has the exact problem faints but comes around after about 10 senconds .... it only happens when I come home
April 11, 2018
Chris
Chris, same with my Pekingnese. Did you get a diagnosis? Taking ours tomorrow. Coughs a few times. Falls flat then rolls on his side, urinates then is fine. Only when I get home from work. Has happened 3 times in a little over a week.
Sept. 6, 2018
Felicia N.
Was this question and answer helpful?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Molly
11 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fainting
Our dog was recently diagnosed with Vasovagal Syncope and has been prescribed Spironalatone to control it. She had a small episode last night where she fainted for a short period of roughly 15 seconds. Is the Spironalatone supposed to stop this from happening or just manage them so they're not as frequent or as severe?
Feb. 23, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Spirinolactone is not a cure for vasovagal syncope, but should help in the severity and frequency of the condition. If Molly continues to have the same types of episodes, with no improvement, you should follow up with your veterinarian. I'm not sure how long she has been on the medication, but it should gradually start to improve her situation.
Feb. 24, 2018
Thank you for your response. It's been less than 3 weeks since she first started Spironalatone. I'm hoping over time her collapses will be less frequent and less severe.
Feb. 24, 2018
Molly's Owner
Was this question and answer helpful?
Shih Tzu
Hugo
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Collapse
My 5 year old shih tzu woke up this morning and was fine he came out to the kitchen so I could let him go out to go to the bathroom and before I was able to hook him up he collapsed and his eyes shit and his body tense up and then his head tilted back and he gave out like a cry and then his body went like limp only for a second and then he was back to normal and is now fine ?
Dec. 9, 2017
0 Recommendations
It sounds like Hugo may have had a heart episode where there wasn’t enough blood flow to the heart; without an examination I cannot say for sure but it doesn’t sound like a seizure. You should take Hugo to be examined by your Veterinarian for a check of his heart as well as possibly echocardiography and x-rays to check heart health. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Dec. 9, 2017
Was this question and answer helpful?
Chowspits
Cardo
1 Year
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fainting
My 1 year old chowspits fainted twice in a day. He just fainted in front of me and head back then urinate himself. I took him to the vet immediately but they just advice me to take my dog in a cold place (because it's warm here. My dog is still not feeling good and he doesnt want to drink water. What should I do? 😭
Dec. 7, 2017
1 Recommendations
Cardo needs a more thorough examination to rule out any heart condition which may cause a reduction in blood flow to the brain and subsequent fainting spell; warm humid weather makes this worse especially if dehydrated because the blood is more viscous. Try to give some water slowly by syringe into the mouth and add some unflavoured Pedialyte too; if this continues you should visit another Veterinarian for a more comprehensive examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Dec. 7, 2017
Was this question and answer helpful?
Papillon
Boo
12-13
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Collapse/Urinating
I have a 12-13 year old male Papillon. He is on and off with his health. He has very bad dental disease, some arthiritis, and a collapsed trachea. However, he is good and sometimes he is more down than most days. Last night i woke up terrified. I heard a loud thump and got up to find him on the floor and in a pool of urine. I was so scared he wasn't completely out but just laying there and I picked him up and he was not able to stand for a couple seconds. Then, he was fine and walking and went back to sleep like nothing happened. He is fine today and normal/happy/eating so I have no idea why that happened! Please give me advice on what you think it may be! A neurological disorder i presume? Note: I give him glucosamine chondroitin tablets daily and have been for months, along with an antacid tablets (believe ranotidine) and have been for years the vet said daily was fine.
Nov. 16, 2017
0 Recommendations
It is difficult to say what exactly causes this episode, it may be that given his age he just got disorientated and fell down. I would keep an eye on Boo for the time being and look out for any odd behaviour or difficulties when standing up; without performing an examination or having more information I really cannot give you much more advice that this. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 16, 2017
Was this question and answer helpful?
Boxer
Wes
11 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Faint
My nearly 11 year old boxer, Wes, has been having this unusual new "coughing" eposide that sounds like he is trying to catch his breathe and a few times since this started, he struggled enough that he began too look like he was fainting and began falling over having to be caught by me or my fiance. This happens pretty much every time he gets up from a long term resting position, such as when we return from work at the end of the day and he's been sleeping all day, or when he wakes up in the morning. It's pretty much always after getting up from resting. He does have a heart murmur and takes medication 2x a day for it, however I feel like his condition may have changed or progressed somehow since this "cough" to get air thing is new. We are seeking second opinions. I am curious if others have experienced this with their boxer or have advice?
Fainting Average Cost
From 12 quotes ranging from $2,500 - $6,000
Average Cost
$2,800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
