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HEAD PRESSING IN OLD DOGS - AND OTHER ODD BEHAVIOUR CHANGES

First broadcast on www.provet.co.uk


This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Old dogs sometimes develop the odd sign of "head pressing". 

In "head pressing" a dog will stand facing a wall or other solid object. It may literally press its head against the surface, and sometimes they bark continuously.  Affected dogs will often stand in this position for hours. This unusual behaviour is caused by diseases affecting a part of the brain called the "frontal lobes". Other behavioural changes are also associated with diseases affecting this part of the brain, including :

  • The dog may not recognise it's owner
  • It may stop following it's normal daily routine behaviour patterns
  • It may change in personality - develop aggression, or become disobedient
  • Sometimes dogs that head press will also start circling ..walking around in circles aimlessly, or develop continuous walking.
  • Normal leg reflexes can be lost 
  • Muscle wastage may occur

Causes of this type of brain disorder include :

  • Tumours
    • primary brain tumours or 
    • secondary cancers - which have spread from other parts of the body to the brain.
  • Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis - the cause of this disease is not known, but it occurs mainly in adult, female, small breed dogs 
  • Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis in Pugs - this disease progresses rapidly. 
  • Vascular or metabolic disorders -  secondary to diseases elsewhere in the body such as renal disease, hypothyroidism, or endocarditis.

The diagnosis of the underlying cause for these odd signs  requires a full veterinary examination for general and neurological signs. Because many soft-tissue lesions do not show up on plain XRays, accurate diagnosis may require the use of modern, sophisticated imaging procedures such as CT or MRI scans.

Unfortunately, some of the underlying causes of forebrain disease - eg Meningoencephalitis and secondary brain tumours, are difficult or impossible to treat satisfactorily. On the other hand, localised brain tumours can often be removed with a good prognosis.

If the brain disease is secondary to another disease elsewhere in the body it may  improve if the primary disease is treated successfully.

Whatever the cause and prognosis, early diagnosis is important so that treatment can be started as soon as possible, and also to save the animal from unnecessary discomfort and distress if the condition is more serious. So, if you notice any of the signs mentioned get an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

 

Updated October 2013