The nervous system (SN) in dogs is divided into central SN (CNS: brain and spinal cord) and peripheral SN (SNP: peripheral nerves). Here, you will know about push to the wall in the dog.
Within the central nervous system, the brain, also called the brain, is a cornerstone in the functioning of the body.
This brain is made up of different regions that each have different roles. Consequently, brain damage can cause very variable clinical symptoms (blindness, convulsions, loss of balance, loss of vigilance, etc.). These symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected.
The “push to wall” attitude is a compulsive behavior in which the dog leans its head against the wall (or other vertical surface) for no apparent reason. It is characteristic of a neurological abnormality affecting the brain. And in particular, it affects the cerebral cortex and the thalamus / hypothalamus.
This is a real emergency and the observation of this behavior in your animal requires a quick consultation with a veterinarian.
Symptoms
As mentioned previously, pushing against the wall is a sign of an attack on a specific area in the brain. This cerebral affection will have various repercussions. In particular on the mental state of the animal, its appetite, its thirst, its sleep, its vision, its muscle tone, etc.
Thus, it is common to observe, in addition to the push to the wall, other symptoms such as:
- behavioral change in dogs: appetite, drinking or sleep disturbances, impaired alertness, coma
- loss of vision
- abnormal movements: animal circling in a circle, head turned to one side, compulsive walking
- convulsions
Causes of a dog pushing the wall with its head
There are several conditions that can cause wall growth in dogs.
- Brain tumor or brain metastasis from a tumor elsewhere
- Inflammation (encephalitis) of the brain which may be infectious or non-infectious
- Trauma (following a collision by a car for example)
- Intoxication such as lead
- General disease causing blood changes (too high or too low sodium concentration in the blood for example, hepatic diseases – hepatic shooting -,…).
Diagnostic
It is essential to give your veterinarian as much information as possible about your animal: his behavior at home, the precise and complete description of the symptoms (even if it means bringing a short film), the speed of progression of the symptoms, the exposure possible with drugs and toxins, the medical history of your animal, its vaccinations, the possible contact with other animals… This will constitute, for the veterinarian, a precious help, either to establish a direct diagnosis (ingestion of toxic for example ), or to prioritize its hypotheses in order to choose the most appropriate additional examinations.
After a general clinical examination and a precise neurological examination, the veterinarian will be able to specify the neurological location of the anomaly.
Subsequently, he will suggest that you take a blood test to carry out a complete assessment. A blood pressure measurement can sometimes be interesting. If there is no anomaly, he will suggest other additional examinations such as:
- CT scan or MRI of the brain (tests done under general anesthesia)
- cerebrospinal fluid puncture
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Treatment and diagnosis
The management and prognosis will depend on the cause of the push to the wall.
In the event of poisoning, hospitalization will be necessary to put your animal on a drip, administer medication to limit absorption of the toxicant through the digestive tract and give it an antidote if it is available.
During general illness, medical and / or surgical treatment will be offered depending on the causes.
In the event of inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), antibiotics and / or corticosteroids and / or antifungals will be given.
In the event of a tumor, surgical, medical or radiotherapy treatment may be offered depending on the type of tumor, its size and its location.
Conclusion
In conclusion, evidence of a wall flare is really a medical emergency that requires a quick consultation with a veterinarian.
Blood tests and medical imaging tests are often necessary to establish a definite diagnosis.
Some pathologies unfortunately have a poor prognosis and the quality of the animal is impaired.