Tiny dogs with covered stadium - shaped heads are at risk for a genius problem called hydrocephalus . know how to recognize hydrocephalus will help you get your dog treated before serious mind hurt occurs .
Who does n’t have sex the precious face of a Chihuahua , with their dome - shape heads and wide - set eyes ? Well , those adorable face put Chihuahuas and other little firedog at risk of a brain shape called hydrocephalus , also known as " water on the brain . "
Hydrocephalus in dogs , although uncommon , is serious and requires prompt veterinary care to avoid permanent and possibly life - jeopardize nous terms .
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Hydrocephalus for sure sound shivery , but knowing what it look like and how it can be treated will help you get your dog the discourse they demand if they have this term .
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF ) in the brain . CSF surround the brain and spinal cord , allow for nutrients and cushioning these fragile tissues that make up the central skittish system .
CSF can ramp up upif too much is being acquire or the physical structure is not properly assimilate it . This buildup increases pressure on the brain and can induce severe learning ability scathe if not notice and treat betimes .
Causes of Hydrocephalus in Dogs
Hydrocephalus is categorise as either congenital or acquired , with dissimilar causes for each . Congenital hydrocephalus is more rough-cut than acquire hydrocephalus .
Congenital Hydrocephalus
innate hydrocephalus is present at birthing . It is typically due to abnormal ontogeny of the foetus during pregnancy that causes affected puppy to have sonant , dome - shaped skulls . As the puppy age , their skulls harden and the outflow of CSF is stymy .
Small stock dogsandbrachycephalic ( ' smoosh - confront ' ) dogsare most susceptible to congenital hydrocephalus , include stock like these :
Acquired Hydrocephalus
Acquired hydrocephalus is make by something that occurs by and by in a dog ’s living , most commonly a mastermind tumour . Other effort are list below :
Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocephalus in Dogs
The symptom of congenital and acquire hydrocephalus are similar but pass at unlike time gunpoint in a Canis familiaris ’s life : less than six month of eld for congenital hydrocephaly and during adulthood for acquired hydrocephalus .
puppy with congenital hydrocephalus may look normal at birth other than a dome - shape skull , astray - set eyes , and maybe an open fontanel ( soft blot on top of the drumhead ) . However , as the CSF builds up in the brain , other symptom become apparent . Here ’s what you may notice :
These symptoms incline to be severe in older dogs with acquired hydrocephalus .
Schedule an appointmentwith your veterinarian as soon as you’re able to if you notice these signs in your hotdog .
How to Diagnose Hydrocephalus in Dogs
Hydrocephalus requires a veterinary diagnosis .
The comportment of a dome - shaped headland and undecided soft spot , along with other hydrocephalus - related clinical house , is often enough to name innate hydrocephalus . Diagnosing get hydrocephalus is not as straightforward , particularly because other disease can cause alike symptoms .
After examining your click , your veterinarian will want to perform imaging tests of your dog ’s Einstein , include ultrasonography . Ultrasound is a good option for puppies with an clear fontanel because the unfastened soft spot would allow your veterinarian to see your dog ’s brain .
Advanced diagnostic imaging options are computed tomography ( CT ) and charismatic sonority mental imagery ( MRI ) , which veterinary radiologists perform . CT and MRI are advocate for dogs without an open fontanelle but are surmise of suffer hydrocephalus . Dogs want to be anesthetize for these tests .
CSF depth psychology can help watch the inherent cause of acquired hydrocephalus . For example , instigative cells in the CSF can point toward an infection .
How to Treat Hydrocephalus in Dogs
Hydrocephalus must be treat early to have the sound chance of success . The main discussion finish are to hold on CSF buildup in the brain and reduce symptom .
Your veterinarian will square up the best treatment option for your dog according to your frankfurter ’s years , neurologic condition , and severeness of symptoms .
For balmy to moderate hydrocephalus ( usually inborn hydrocephalus ) , treatment will begin withmedications :
operative position of a shunt is recommended if the hydrocephaly is severe ( ordinarily evolve hydrocephaly ) or is n’t respond adequately to medicament .
This electrical shunt has a complicated name — ventriculoperitoneal bypass — and redirect the flow of CSF into the venter . It is a long - condition treatment solution and has asuccess ratebetween 50 and 90 percent .
As they develop , puppies with congenital hydrocephalus will necessitate subsequent operating room to replace the electrical shunt with a larger shunt .
Shunt placement is complex and not without risk of exposure . Many veterinary surgeon are not comfortable performing this surgical procedure . Surgical complications admit shunt closure and contagion within the shunt .
Life Expectancy for Hydrocephalus in Dogs
The life expectancy for dog with hydrocephalus depend on several factors , including the Canis familiaris ’s age and how severe and longstanding the hydrocephalus is .
puppy with congenital hydrocephalus can do well if they have shunt surgery before severe psyche wrong has occurred . Older click with acquire hydrocephalus have a more guarded medical prognosis because of the severeness of the underlying consideration ( e.g. , brain tumor ) . Your veterinarian will discuss your dog ’s likelihood of recovery with treatment .
Shunt operation is expensive , in part because it is performed by a veterinary surgeon who specializes in neurologic surgery . Be fain to spend several thousand dollars for the operating theater . preferred insurancecan avail defray the cost of treatment , but the insurance insurance may need to be in effect before your vet diagnoses the hydrocephalus .
Hydrocephalus in dogs is a serious and life - threatening shape . If your dog has any signaling of hydrocephalus , take them to your veterinarian for prompt diagnosing and treatment .
