Non-infectious/Acquired disease: Heart disease or back problems.
Trauma: Blow to the head, chest, or spine; severe cuts with extensive blood loss; or a snakebite.
Toxicity: Ivermectin (in sheepdog breeds), ethylene glycol, or ethanol (alcohol).
Parasites: Heartworms, hookworms (especially puppies), or tick paralysis.
Congenital abnormality: Muscle disorders (myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy).
Infectious disease: Distemper, parvovirus, rabies. Note: Never handle a dog who may have rabies. If possible, without touching the dog, confine him in a room, pen, or yard and call your local animal control for assistance.
Nutritional disorder: Calcium deficiency.
Allergy: Anaphylaxis.
Note: Shock (circulatory failure), which can occur with many of the above disorders, can also cause collapse.
What to do: Make sure dog is able to breathe. Control bleeding, if necessary. Take dog to veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Disclaimer: DogChannel.com’s Dog Medical Conditions are intended for educational purposes only. They are not meant to replace the expertise and experience of a professional veterinarian. Do not use the information presented here to make decisions about your dog’s ailment. If you notice changes in your dog’s health or behavior, please take your pet to the nearest veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic as soon as possible.