2/28/2024 0 Comments Signs of trauma in dogs![]() ![]() The goal of this lecture will be to outline some basics of thoracic anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology of thoracic trauma, general trauma management, and the diagnosis and management of specific traumatic thoracic injuries. Thoracic trauma seldom occurs as an isolated injury patients are often in shock and may have other significant injuries: abdominal, spine-medullar and cranium-encephalic lesions. Thoracic injury is common in dogs and cats following trauma, mainly encounters with automobiles. Books & VINcyclopedia of Diseases (Formerly Associate).VINcyclopedia of Diseases (Formerly Associate).They may struggle with focus and concentration, making training more challenging. This can make them appear jumpy, reactive, or easily startled.ĭifficulty learning: The stress and anxiety associated with trauma can impair a dog's ability to learn and retain new information. ![]() Hypervigilance: Dogs who have experienced trauma might be constantly on high alert, always scanning their environment for potential threats. They may isolate themselves and avoid social interactions, both with humans and other dogs. Withdrawal: In some cases, a traumatised dog may become withdrawn and disinterested in activities they once enjoyed. This could be a form of self-protection or a reaction to feelings of vulnerability. This can result in behaviours such as trembling, whining, panting, or attempts to escape the situation.Īggression: Some dogs may respond to trauma with aggression, either directed at other animals or humans. Understanding these effects is crucial for dog trainers, as it can help inform the best approach to training and supporting dogs who have experienced trauma.Īnxiety and fear: Traumatised dogs may become increasingly anxious or fearful in situations that remind them of their past experiences. These changes can lead to altered emotional states, behavioural problems, and difficulties with learning and adapting to new situations. Trauma can have a range of effects on a dog's brain, impacting various areas responsible for stress regulation, emotional processing, memory, and cognitive function. This can make it more difficult for the dog to unlearn these patterns and replace them with healthier coping mechanisms. Traumatic events can cause maladaptive patterns to form in the brain, reinforcing negative behaviours and emotional responses. Neuroplasticity and the formation of maladaptive patterns: The brain is highly adaptable, and its connections can change and reorganise based on experiences. Trauma can negatively affect the functioning of the prefrontal cortex, leading to issues with self-control and emotional management, which may manifest as aggression, impulsivity, or other behavioural problems. This can make training and learning new behaviours more challenging.ĭisruptions in the prefrontal cortex: The prefrontal cortex is responsible for higher-order cognitive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Traumatic experiences can lead to a reduction in the size of the hippocampus, impairing a dog's ability to form and retain new memories. Impacts on the hippocampus: The hippocampus is involved in memory formation and retrieval. Trauma can cause the amygdala to become overactive, making the dog more susceptible to fear-based responses and heightening their overall anxiety levels. This can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and a heightened sensitivity to stressors, even in situations that would not typically be considered threatening.Ĭhanges in the amygdala: The amygdala is a crucial part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. ![]() Alterations in the stress response system: Traumatic experiences can cause dysregulation in a dog's stress response system, which includes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the release of stress hormones such as cortisol. ![]()
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