My dog walks in circles after head trauma

[firefighter429]

My dog was hit my a car 15 days ago. She was pretty much dead when we got her to the vet. However, they saved her. Day 13 she walks in circles and paces. She sometimes knows her name and is now coming to me sometimes when I say her name. Has anyone had this happen to their dog? Does anyone know how long it takes for her to get back to normal. The life in her is in there somewhere, we just don't see it yet. I'm worried we may never. The Vet says to give it time. That is what I'm doing, but I've never had this happen. So i'm seeking people who have had this experience and what was the outcome

[Treehuggerjudy]

The same thing just happened to my dog. Same symptoms. How did you make out with your dog?

Thank you,
Judy

[Jerry_NJ]

About the best any of us can do  is get a professional examination and diagnosis from a veterinarian.  The symptoms sound like what can happen when a human has a concussion, memory loss, disorientation, maybe dizziness (not sure about the walking in circles ; )  ...  I think a concussion is normally temporary but some are worse.  I do recall reading/hearing about concern about multiple concussions in humans, especially children.  Said another way, one usually isn't a big problem.

Sounds like you are doing the best that can be done, we will all hope for a speedy recovery.

[firefighter429]

She was unconscious when we found her. She paces in circles constantly. I hold her and that is the only thing that calms her down. I've web searched and I do find info on concussions, but nothing really on how long it takes for them to recover. She is eating/drinking and managing her toilet needs. Sometimes she knows her name other times she doesn't. She is so focused on pacing, that she has no other life other than that. I've got her meds to calm her at night from the vet. So we will see how that goes tonight. Thanks for replying :) I'll not give up on her. I'm just concerned that I'm doing her harm by letting her continue to be this way.

[Jerry_NJ]

Sorry I don't have any specific information, but it seems to me from your description your dog is making progress.  If the dog and eat/drink and manage its toilet needs it seems reasonable to give it more time and not to push too hard on it for performance.  Rest may be the best cure at this point.

Was concussion mentioned, or is that included in the diagnosis Trauma?  You may gain some useful information doing a web search on concussion in dogs...or similar.