WebThis condition literally means "water head" and is more commonly referred to as water on the brain. Often it is considered a congenital disease, which means a dog is born with hydrocephalus, but there are others that can be triggered by intracranial inflammatory disease, Vitamin D deficiency, the parainfluenza virus infection, or swelling in the brain or a brain tumor. Surgical technique, postoperative complications and outcome in 14 Contact us today to learn more about our products and, South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands (USD $). It is really heartbreaking, says Nanette Lai of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, whose Chihuahua Lexi suffered from hydrocephalus. Shes fascinated by the human-animal bond and believes the best way to help your pets is by helping you to understand them from the inside out. For example, inflammatory cells in the CSF can point toward an infection. An animal diagnosed as being hydrocephalic has clinical signs of neurologic dysfunction related to the dilated ventricles. Its a serious condition that can result in permanent brain damage or death. This is important to ensure that any contributing causes are treated. Hydrocephalus in Dogs: What You Need to Know - Vetstreet Many normal, healthy dogs have fontanels, but if a dog has hydrocephalus, there is a good chance is has open fontanels too. It is often seen in dogs and can cause a variety of neurological symptoms. Dog The vast majority of dogs will be managed with medication, and the condition will never be totally cured. Hydrocephalus is more difficult to diagnose in adult dogs, as other conditions can cause similar signs. Miniature Dog Breeds, Toy Dog Breeds, Teacup Dog Breeds, Boston Terrier, English Bulldog, Pekingese, Chihuahua, Manchester Terrier, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Pug, Pomeranian. equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer. Hydrocephalus generally cannot be prevented. But that last few days he's gotten worse. Here's what you may notice: These symptoms tend to be severe in older dogs with acquired hydrocephalus. While hydrocephalus is a serious condition, there are treatment options available that can help improve the quality of life for affected dogs. Ultrasound is a good option for puppies with an open fontanel because the open fontanel would allow your veterinarian to see your dog's brain. Advanced diagnostic imaging options are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which veterinary radiologists perform. Dogs need to be anesthetized for these tests. Medication can also help reduce the amount of fluid within the brain, but it won't cure the condition. This means that the skull itself is blocking the outflow of CSF. All Rights Reserved. Surgery is a more invasive option, but it can be very effective in relieving symptoms and reducing the amount of fluid buildup. Emergencies: Open 24 hours a day. may want to perform tests designed to evaluate the function of your Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Hydrocephalus In Dogs Its often congenital, meaning its present at birth, and certain breeds have a predisposition to the condition, especially small dog breeds.
