Heart failure can be caused by a number of different conditions, including cardiomyopathies, mitral valve disease, and congenital heart defects. They may also experience other signs such as exercise intolerance, coughing, difficulty breathing, and a decrease in appetite. Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Heart failure is another common cause of syncope in dogs. If the arrhythmia is secondary to a metabolic imbalance, such as electrolyte abnormalities, treatment will focus on correcting the imbalance. Anti-arrhythmia medications will be used to control the heart rate if the arrhythmia is caused by an underlying heart condition. The treatment for arrhythmias will depend on the underlying cause of the arrhythmia. If your veterinarian suspects that your dog has an arrhythmia, they will recommend performing a detailed cardiac examination and may also recommend additional tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), Holter monitor, or echocardiogram. If the heart is beating too slowly, blood flow to the brain is reduced as well because not enough blood is being pumped. If the heart is beating too rapidly and irregularly, it doesn't have time to fill properly and this results in a decrease in blood flow to the brain.

ArrhythmiasĪrrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, are one of the most common syncopal triggers in dogs. We will discuss some of the most common causes below. There are a number of different conditions that can lead to syncope in dogs. Afterward, the dog is typically alert and aware. Syncope is commonly brought on by coughing, barking, excitement, exercise, or pulling on a leash for example. However, if your dog experiences a prolonged syncopal episode, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. In most cases, syncope only lasts for a few seconds to a minute or two. This can be accompanied by a loss of muscle tone (known as atonia), opisthotonos (a condition in which the head and neck are extended and the back is arched), and urination. The most common sign of syncope in dogs is the sudden loss of consciousness. Syncope can be caused by a number of different factors, including heart arrhythmias, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, vasovagal syncope, and tussive syncope. In dogs, a lack of cerebral blood flow for more than 5-6 seconds can cause syncope.

Syncope is a condition in which the brain suddenly does not receive enough blood flow and consequently loses consciousness.

Convulsive syncopal episode