MISSOULA, Mont. — It’s a common misconception that fainting and dizzy spells only affect humans, but the reality is that animals can experience them too! The medical term for this sudden loss of consciousness or pronounced weakness is syncope, and it’s a phenomenon I often encounter in both canine and feline patients. Syncope, often mistaken for seizures, can be triggered by various factors such as heart disease and metabolic issues like low blood sugar.
If you observe your pet experiencing a sudden loss of consciousness, there are a few immediate steps you can take to help. Elevating your pet’s hind end can aid in increasing blood flow to the brain. In case your pet vomits during the episode, it’s essential to keep their head down to prevent aspiration. However, exercise caution to avoid potential bites. Additionally, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care promptly, even if your pet appears to recover quickly. Consulting with a local professional is always advisable in such situations.
You can stay connected with us through our station website by searching for “For Pet’s Sake.” We also encourage you to share your favorite pet moments with our community. Simply visit our news app, click explore, and chime in to upload your fantastic pet photos.
At Burnt Fork Veterinary Clinic, we are committed to providing compassionate care to our clients and their beloved animals through high-quality medicine and surgery. We prioritize preventive care across all aspects of our practice, catering to both large and small animals. To better serve you and your pet, we have expanded our hours, including routine appointments on Saturdays, and introduced a 24-hour triage call-line for after-hours assistance. Contact us today or visit our website to learn more about our services. Located in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley in Stevensville on Eastside Highway, we treat your animals as if they were our own.
