Brain Damage in Dogs

Just as in humans, irreversible damage to the brain can bring about a devastating outcome. Many of these injuries result from accidents and unforeseen catastrophes, and some from just plain stupidity and ignorance. The consequence, however, is that the dog has to live with this change, as do the owners, and unfortunately, there is virtually no information freely available to assist people. Whilst I do not claim to have all the answers, I have spoken with people who are coping with this, and I believe that with the current breadth of knowledge available to us, the best way forward may be to imitate how we manage brain trauma in humans.

The causes

The most common is what is known to most of you that watch detective movies as blunt force trauma. A blow to the head that in dogs rarely penetrates the skull but moves the brain about inside so that it becomes bruised leading to swelling or results in bleeding and as there is no way for the blood to escape it results in irreversible damage.

It can also result from an infection, the intake of harmful chemicals, disrupted blood flow or inflammation.

Also, Hypothermia (critically low body temperature) and Hyperthermia (critically high body temperature.)

In fact, we could spend all day discussing the causes, but I think by now, we know what we are talking about. Irreversible damage to the dog’s brain results in a change in behaviour that impacts not only the dog but on the owner.

In my opinion, we need to accept what has happened and accept that no two dogs will behave in the same way. It’s like the consequences of a stroke in humans. No two strokes lead to the same lasting effect. Every brain trauma is different.

How do we deal with this change in fortune?

Firstly we must accept that some dogs’ behaviour could be so unpredictable as to be positively dangerous, particularly around children. In that case, serious decisions have to be made. You should also consider any insurance policies that include your pet. For instance, if your company insures you for third-party liability, as many household policies do, and your dog bites, the company may not pay out if they find you have not declared that Fido is brain damaged. You have to decide if you are prepared for the commitment for how many years are left, are willing to deal with any of the resultant issues like incontinence, disturbed sleep, flashes of temper, irrational behaviour and the effects and strains on the rest of the family.

Plus, being unable to put your dog in a boarding kennel makes holidays a rare occurrence, depending on whatever assistance you may have available. Some will feel that this is not a burden that they can countenance, particularly as aggression is maybe a symptom. After accepting advice from veterinary surgeons and behaviourists, a kinder option may be to put their pet to sleep.

The biggest problem that owners may face is living with a dog that unexpectedly bites. This can occur without any warning. There will be no indication that this is coming. No body language, no raised hackles, no growling, not even a look in the eye. It will happen instantly without any malice, and the dog will return to normal just as quickly. It won’t necessarily even have any memory of the event.

It is very similar to what is recognised in cocker spaniels as cocker rage, an unpredictable change in behaviour.

Amongst the many issues that must be faced is an irrational fear. This may manifest itself on walks, normally a pleasurable experience for the dog and owner, but as the dog is taken outside its protective indoor environment, it’s distress may become obvious.

These dogs may become hyperactive, and it will be normal for them to struggle to learn simple instructions. Even teaching basic commands like “come” can take months to achieve, although the use of treats and rewards will assist as in a “normal” dog. Having said that, there are plenty of owners of “normal” dogs who will lament their dog’s total failure to respond to basic instructions despite the lure of tasty morsels!!

Just as some humans have the propensity to avoid people that they see as “different”, other dogs even within the family unit, may choose to ignore a damaged dog knowing that it is different and therefore may pose a threat or they are unable to absorb the reality of a problem that they don’t have the capacity to understand. One odd consequence is that other species may have no problem accepting a brain-damaged dog. A cat, for instance, may happily play with one as they don’t see a threat or even appreciate that there is a problem.

Can it be managed?

I believe that treating a brain-damaged dog is fairly similar to coping with a patient suffering from dementia. The main requirement is routine. As anyone who has lived with or nursed patients with Dementia or Alzheimer’s will know that what is so important in keeping them calm is a steady daily routine with the minimum of changes. All daily events should take place as much as possible at the same time. Feeding, going for a walk, play times, and any activity that is done daily. Activity toys play an important role in keeping the dog’s brain active and any game that you care to invent. Any activity must be enjoyable, and if the dog appears to be stressed, desist immediately. Medication is maybe an option in some cases, but only a qualified veterinary surgeon can advise. It should also be noted that a low protein diet is advisable as high protein levels generally are unsuitable for pet dogs at the best of times as they can lead to hyperactivity.

Finally, this problem should not be confused with cognitive dysfunction in older dogs, however, it is generally recognised that a strict routine is also beneficial for seniors suffering from this problem. Bearing in mind that cognitive dysfunction results from brain cells dying off, leading to changes in behaviour.

In time we will develop the knowledge and the technology to give us a greater understanding of these complex issues. In the meantime, you can only create an environment and a routine that enables your pet and you to live your lives as peacefully as possible.

I am indebted to Tracee Walton for sharing her personal experience of living with a brain-damaged dog.