Posts Tagged ‘right side’
It can be very frightening if your dog suddenly collapses. There are two kinds of collapse: a faint and Seizure. It is not easy to differentiate between them if you’re seeing them first time.
If your dog faints, don’t panic. remain calm. Usually the collapse will last only a matter of seconds, no more than a minute or two at most.
Lay the dog on its right side in a comfortable position. If its gums and tongue appear bluish and the dog is unconsious, ensure a free airway by pulling its tongue as far out of its mouth as seems comfortable. Get someone to call the vet for advice. Meanwhile, attempt artificial respiration if necessary.
Check for the heart beat by feeling the left side of its chest behind the elbow and give first aid if necessary.
The main cause for the collapse is lack of oxygen to brain. It may be caused by poor circulation resulting from the heart’s failure to pump blood effeciently.
A convulsive fit may signal a brain disorder such as epilepsy. The dog will normally take longer to recover than after a faint. Even metabolic disorders of the liver and kidneys, and diabetes mellitus, can also cause convulsive-type collapses and lead to coma if treated.
