If dogs suddenly fall over, it could be an indication of an underlying illness. Especially if other pathological symptoms occur.
In addition to circulatory collapse and muscle cramps, epilepsy or even a stroke can also be behind it. Below you will learn about the 7 most common causes.
Are you worried or unsure? Then click here to start a live chat with a veterinarian.
#1 Circulatory collapse
Circulatory collapse occurs when the brain does not receive enough blood or oxygen. A brief faint is usually the result.
Doctors also speak of “syncope”. Affected dogs usually fall over and get up again a short time later. Typical causes of this are:
- Blood pressure problems
- Heart disease
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Vascular diseases
- Anemia [1]
According to statistics, the most commonly affected are Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Pugs and German Boxers. But it can basically affect any race.
Since a circulatory collapse can be an indication of more serious underlying illnesses, you should consult the vet immediately.
Blood tests, x-rays and ultrasound examinations are usually carried out for diagnosis. Treatment is then based on the cause. [2]
When a circulatory collapse occurs, affected dogs usually fall over, are unconscious for several seconds and then get up again. Since this can be a symptom of an illness, among other things, the veterinarian should be consulted.
#2 Vestibular syndrome
Vestibular syndrome is a disorder of the balance system. This neurological disease is therefore almost always accompanied by coordination problems.
Ear infections are the most common cause here. In this case, doctors speak of “peripheral vestibular syndrome”.
If the illness is caused by problems with the central nervous system, then it is called “central vestibular syndrome”. However, this is comparatively rare.
The most common symptoms here are:
- Suddenly falling over
- Balance problems
- Dog staggers
- Disorientation
- Trembling of the eyes [3]
If there are existing ear infections, the vet will usually carry out a professional ear cleaning and prescribe anti-inflammatory medication.
If it is a “central” cause such as brain injury or a tumor, then treatment depends on the cause. [4]
If the dog not only falls over but also walks unsteadily, then vestibular syndrome is likely. Regardless of the suspected cause, the vet should be consulted immediately. If left untreated, permanent damage can result.
This website is for sale.
#3 Muscle cramp
If your dog suddenly falls over during physical activity and then stretches all four legs out, a muscle spasm could be the cause.
On the other hand, if only one leg cramps, you can often recognize it by an unusually stiff running style or slowing down during the race.
Typical triggers here are:
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Viral diseases
- Calcium deficiency
- Neurological diseases
- Poisonings [5]
Muscle cramps are more common in Scottish Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Great Danes. The exact cause of this is still unclear.
To rule out serious illnesses, you should also visit the vet as a precaution. This is especially true if your dog whines.
In the case of poisoning, immediate treatment is usually necessary. For milder causes, medication or physiotherapy is often sufficient.
Muscle cramps in dogs usually occur during physical exertion and result in them suddenly falling over. Certain breeds are particularly often affected by this. You should always consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
#4 Wobbler Syndrome
Wobbler syndrome, by definition, results in a wobbly running style. Affected dogs sometimes stagger so much that they fall over more often.
The reason for this is nerve damage in the cervical vertebrae area. Male dogs and large dog breeds are statistically most often affected. [6]
The most common symptoms here include:
- Upper back pain
- Dog sways
- Acute muscle weakness
- Very slow pace
- Dog falls over
- Loss of coordination [7]
So far there are only theories about the possible causes of nerve damage. Statistically, the Doberman and the Great Dane are most often affected by this.
Pain and any inflammation can be relieved with the help of medication. The problem can also be cured by surgery on the cervical vertebrae. [8]
If the dog sways back and forth while running and occasionally falls over, then wobbler syndrome is obvious. Since this disease is usually accompanied by pain, the vet should be consulted immediately.
#5 Epileptic seizure
Seizures are one of the most common neurological disorders in dogs. They lead to disruption of brain function and uncontrollable muscle activity.
In most cases, seizures are caused by epilepsy. In other words, due to a chronic disease of the nerve cells in the brain.
According to statistics, Labradors and Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Irish Setters, Poodles, Boxers and Dachshunds are said to suffer from it most often.
Typical symptoms of such an attack are:
- Strong tremors
- Yelling and whining
- Suddenly falling over
- Profuse drooling
- Muscle twitches
- Sudden urination [9]
Fortunately, such attacks are usually painless. Rather, they cause the dog to react very confused or even panic.
In most cases, epilepsy occurs without a known cause (“idiopathic”). In other cases, other illnesses are responsible.
In order to find out the cause and limit the consequences, you should consult the vet immediately. Especially if seizures occur regularly.
Epileptic seizures lead to uncontrolled muscle movements, which often causes affected dogs to fall over and tremble. Although these attacks are usually painless, they usually lead to severe confusion. The vet should be consulted here.
#6 Myasthenia Gravis
If the signal transmission between the muscles and nerves is disturbed, then doctors also speak of an autoimmune disease called “myasthenia gravis”.
This can be congenital or acquired. Affected dogs usually suffer from extreme muscle weakness and fatigue. Other symptoms of this are:
- Problems breathing
- Dog can't close eyes
- Excessive drooling
- Tipping over while running
- Dog tires quickly [10]
Golden and Labrador retrievers, the Newfoundland dog, the Great Dane and all terrier breeds are statistically the most likely to suffer from myasthenia gravis.
A combination of medications is usually used for treatment, which on the one hand suppresses the immune system and at the same time promotes signal transmission. [11]
Dogs with myasthenia gravis are often so weak that they fall over from exhaustion after a short period of physical activity. However, the symptoms can be treated very well with the help of medication.
#7 Stroke
During a stroke, certain areas of the brain suddenly stop functioning. The reason for this is circulatory disorders.
Depending on where these disorders are caused, there are two different types:
- Blockage of an artery to the head (“ischemic stroke”)
- Bleeding in the brain (“hemorrhagic stroke”)
Ischemic strokes are significantly more common. However, the potential causes for this are very diverse. The typical symptoms here include:
In most cases, a stroke is over after a few minutes. Incidentally, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is said to be affected most often.
If you have a stroke, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. Under certain circumstances, such an attack can also be fatal. [13]
If dogs tilt their heads, behave strangely, and fall over, it may be a stroke. To avoid life-threatening consequences, you should consult your veterinarian immediately.
Other potential causes
In addition to the above diseases, there are also other triggers:
- Brain injuries
- Brain tumor
- Hyperglycemia
- Blindness
- Injuries to the spine
- encephalitis
If you are unsure, I advise you to see the vet immediately. In principle, the chances of treatment are best with an early diagnosis.
Most read articles:
- The 25 coolest inventions for dogs
- 31 original gift ideas for dog owners