What's wrong with my friend's dog? Its head is like caving in.

Thanks for reaching out with your concern about your friend's dog. When you mention that the dog's head appears to be "caving in," it might be related to a condition known as muscle atrophy. This happens when the muscles, especially those on the head, shrink. Muscle atrophy can be caused by a range of factors including malnutrition, neurological issues, or diseases affecting the dog's muscles or nerves.



Sometimes, this could be due to a lack of proper nutrition or an inability to chew food properly if there's dental pain or disease at play. Additionally, trauma, inflammation, or more serious underlying issues like certain immune-mediated diseases can lead to such symptoms.



At home, try to ensure the dog is getting balanced nutrition and consider monitoring its eating habits closely. You might also gently feel around the head to check for any pain responses or swelling, but be gentle and cautious.



It's important to be aware of other signs like difficulty walking, drooling, changes in behavior, or weight loss, which could indicate a more serious concern needing prompt evaluation.



For a thorough assessment, please consider scheduling a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet. They can help identify the underlying cause and guide you on the best next steps for your friend's furry companion.