Medications Used for Syncope in Dogs
Syncope in dogs is characterized by sudden collapse (fainting). Cardiovascular weakness and disorders, which decrease blood supply to the brain, are often the underlying causes, though low blood sugar is another possibility. Medications to treat syncope treat the underlying disorders that cause the condition in the first place.
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Features
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"Syncope" means sudden fainting. What medications are used to treat syncope depend on which disease is causing this symptom.
Medications
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When fainting is a symptom of a heart condition in dogs, which it frequently is, medicines which treat the underlying disease will help prevent syncope. These medicines include enalapril (used to treat mitral valve disorders) and diuretics, such as furosemide, for relieving fluid congestion around the heart (see Resources).
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Effects
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Medicines that establish a normal heart rhythm, better blood flow or relieve pressure (from fluid) from the heart, aid normal blood flow to the brain, thereby preventing syncope.
Warning
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Since syncope is often a symptom of serious conditions, always consult with your veterinarian if your dog experiences any sudden collapse, no matter how brief.
Considerations
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Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can also cause syncope. In these cases, improving the dog's diet (or changing insulin dose in diabetic dogs) to maintain stable blood sugar can prevent future occurrences.
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Resources
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Comments
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meraai
Oct 19, 2009
Hi. My dog (maltese, female, 14 years old, 7kg) has recently been diagnosed with syncope. She had her first fainting episode in June this year after which she was placed on Fortekor 5 (0.5 tablet daily) as well as a diuretic (Puresis, 0.25 tablet daily). This event began with a cough and she ended up fainting. Her neck usually is stiff, while the rest of her body is limp. Two and a half weeks ago she had a minor "event" not preceded by a cough. Last week Tuesday she had a really big "event" which also started with a cough, after which we took her to the vet. After coughing she just falls over, there is no kicking. She does moan a little, but there is no foam around the mouth. She had another one at the vet's as the vet was doing a test, had another big one when i brought her home, and later the evening had a third "event". With the third event there was some coughing, with the second...
