Hydrocephalus?

[Yorkieluv]

Does anyone here know or have a dog that has hydrocephalus? What are the symptoms? Do the eyes point outward? Please share your experiences or any knowledge, no matter how small it may be. Thanks in advance for all the comments!!! This is kind of time sensitive. It doesn't have to do with my Miko, thank goodness, but I just need advice.

[Yorkieluv]

bump...

[sammiz]

Hydrocephalus may be seen in young animals (less than 18-months-old) or older animals (greater than six-years-old).

CSF is normally formed in the brain. It bathes, protects, and circulates through parts of the brain and coverings and is then absorbed into the circulatory system. In young animals, CSF can accumulate in the brain causing the fontanel (the soft spot that normally closes after birth) to bulge. The bones of the skull are soft and can be enlarged due to the increased volume and pressure leading to a dome shaped cranium. The eye position within in the eye socket may be abnormally deviated where the sclera (white portion of the eye) is visible in both eyes towards the nose.

Causes of hydrocephalus in young animals include congenital defects, intrauterine or perinatal infections, perinatal trauma, and central nervous system tumor. The most common cause of hydrocephalus in young animals is congenital defect. Toy breeds have the highest incidence.

When older animals are affected by hydrocephalus, outward signs are not as evident since the bones of the skull are already fused.

Symptoms of hydrocephalus vary with the cause, the age at presentation, the brain tissue being compromised, and the degree of tissue damage.

What to Watch For


Altered mental status

Crying out

Hyperexcitability

Extreme dullness

Coma

Seizures

Visual or auditory impairment

Spastic or clumsy walking

Circling

Head pressing

Head tilt

Abnormal eye movements

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests are needed to identify hydrocephalus and differentiate it from other diseases that may cause similar signs.

In addition to obtaining a complete medical history and performing a thorough general physical examination, your veterinarian will likely perform or recommend the following tests:


Neurological assessment

Laboratory work assessing kidney and liver function

Skull radiographs

Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging

Ultrasound of the brain if there is an open fontanel present

Spinal tap (rarely performed)

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to minimize or prevent brain damage by improving CSF flow. Treatment depends on the severity of the clinical signs and may include one or more of the following:


Medical treatment consisting of drugs that either decrease the production of CSF or increase CSF absorption


Surgical treatment of hydrocephalus that includes direct removal of the obstruction or shunting of CSF to an area outside of the brain


Prevention of trauma such as falling or rapid changes in pressure


Follow-up examinations throughout the animal's life to evaluate any progressive brain damage and to adjust treatments

Prognosis

Untreated severe hydrocephalus has a poor prognosis and usually results in death. Although the efficacy of therapy cannot be assessed without attempting treatment, the severity of clinical signs correlates with the success of treatment. Animals with symptoms that are difficult to manage are poor candidates for medical or surgical treatment.

Some animals with congenital hydrocephalus have an immediate response to medical or surgical treatment and can be stable over a long period of time.

[chattiesmom]

My first Yorkie, Laciebug had a very rare form of Hydrocephalus. It was so rare that my vet had NEVER EVER seen a living dog with the condition. He said it was almost always diagnosed in a necropsy. This is Laciebug's story...


My first Yorkie had a nuerological problem. Her problem manifested itself primarly in her gait..... she tended to stumble and walk like she was confused or in pain. My local vet thought she might have a spine issue so we off we went to the University of Georgia Vet School for testing. After one look the vet decided that her problem looked like a neurological one and ordered a cat scan. The cat scan revealed leisions on the lining of the brain which caused swelling and fluid and who knows what other problems. The condition was so very rare, that almost 100% of the time it is diagnosised in a necropsy. My local vet had NEVER seen a living dog with the condition.

Anyway, Laciebug was given two weeks worth of meds and I was told to go to my regular vet for long term directions. Bottom line, the UG vets did not believe that she would outlive the two weeks worth of meds.

With medication and careful attention, Laciebug lived FIVE years after the diagnosis. Some days she showed severe confusion others she seemed normal. My local vet was always amazed and pleased to see Laciebug. My vet was so wonderful during the whole time. Each time we would go in for checkups I would tearfully ask is it time? he would reply, Laciebug will tell you when she is ready to go and she isn't ready yet.

Laciebug retained her dignity until the end. The last few weeks she would try to wander off when I let her outside to potty. I would have to keep my eyes on her every second. One day, she managed to slip off and I never saw her again.... I searched our rural neighborhood for weeks on end. That was five years ago, I still search for remains..... Rest well my Laciebug

It was almost 10 years before I was ready to open my heart to another Yorkie -- I am sorry I waited so long to let Chattie fill the hole in my heart.

[Yorkieluv]

Gosh, your story about your baby Laciebug has brought tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry for your loss, and thank you very much for sharing that story. I really appreciate it.

[chattiesmom]

Death was inevitable as it is with all living beings. Laciebug's story isn't a sad story, it is a story of 5 lbs. of love and determination to live life to its fullest. It is also a story of hope for all who have furchildren with serious "incurable" conditions.

The vets didn't believe she was in pain -- if she had then her story would have ended much sooner and much sadder. But as it was Laciebug shared with us more love and laughter than we ever imagined possible.

[LoveMyGirlz]

I have a 5 lb Maltese who has hydrocephalus...She was 3 years old in Nov and she was diagnosed at about 1 year.
She was a "normal" playful pup till around 10 months old or so. However prior to that time she had a couple of episodes where she would just cry out like she was in pain. It scared us to death and we'd take her each time to her vet. They ran so many tests on her and found nothing. She started circling but also ran around like normal sometimes. She also bumped into things and rubbed her head A LOT along the couch.
One morning she was sort of convulsing! I was petrified as I'd never seen anyone or any animal have a seizure! In tears I sped to her vet. She lost control of her bowel on the way. I think they gave her some seditive - I cant remember, but we went home together and scheduled an appt at a neurologist. He took one look at her walking around the office and said he thought it was hydrocephalus. We had an MRI done and it was confirmed. My perfect angel had water on the brain! He should us her xray and her entire head is filled with fluid!! I cried and cried!
We live with it. She is on one medicine 2x a day and another every other day. She has to stay in her own ex-pen because she no longer is potty trained and also because the pressure on her brain makes it so she cannot see. She continuously walkes in circles now - I don't think she can or will even walk a straight line anymore.
Her eyes look a bit crossed. Her skull looks a bit wide - the fontanel is not closed which is one of the signs, as is the circling.
Each time she has a seizure, she seems to come out of them a bit worse than she was. And she has cluster seizures which means they don't stop and we have to admit her each time (except the last one-she stopped on her own).
She doesn't like being picked up or even held really. I think maybe she doesn't like being picked up because she can't see so it scares her?
I have had to shave her beautiful hair short as she won't let us groom her anymore.
She is a lot of work but we don't have the heart to put her down as the vet doesn't feel she is in any pain? But I question her quality of life sometimes-either way I feel sad and guilty....
I think I covered everything? Please if you have any other questions, just ask me!
Can I ask who you think may have this? You said not your baby right?
Hope this helps!!
Trina

[sammiz]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

Death was inevitable as it is with all living beings. Laciebug's story isn't a sad story, it is a story of 5 lbs. of love and determination to live life to its fullest. It is also a story of hope for all who have furchildren with serious "incurable" conditions.

The vets didn't believe she was in pain -- if she had then her story would have ended much sooner and much sadder. But as it was Laciebug shared with us more love and laughter than we ever imagined possible.

I love that name...Lacibug...

I am sorry that you had to lose her but glad for you that you got to experience her.

[Yorkieluv]

I agree, Laciebug was determined to live her life to the fullest, and it sounds like she did. My yorkie has an inoperable liver shunt and he has to be on special food and takes medicine twice a day. He looks very healthy and is very playful, but he has his down days. I pray every single day that he lives a long and healthy life. He brings so much joy to our lives, that I can't imagine life without him.

[Yorkieluv]

Originally Posted by LoveMyGirlz

I have a 5 lb Maltese who has hydrocephalus...She was 3 years old in Nov and she was diagnosed at about 1 year.
She was a "normal" playful pup till around 10 months old or so. However prior to that time she had a couple of episodes where she would just cry out like she was in pain. It scared us to death and we'd take her each time to her vet. They ran so many tests on her and found nothing. She started circling but also ran around like normal sometimes. She also bumped into things and rubbed her head A LOT along the couch.
One morning she was sort of convulsing! I was petrified as I'd never seen anyone or any animal have a seizure! In tears I sped to her vet. She lost control of her bowel on the way. I think they gave her some seditive - I cant remember, but we went home together and scheduled an appt at a neurologist. He took one look at her walking around the office and said he thought it was hydrocephalus. We had an MRI done and it was confirmed. My perfect angel had water on the brain! He should us her xray and her entire head is filled with fluid!! I cried and cried!
We live with it. She is on one medicine 2x a day and another every other day. She has to stay in her own ex-pen because she no longer is potty trained and also because the pressure on her brain makes it so she cannot see. She continuously walkes in circles now - I don't think she can or will even walk a straight line anymore.
Her eyes look a bit crossed. Her skull looks a bit wide - the fontanel is not closed which is one of the signs, as is the circling.
Each time she has a seizure, she seems to come out of them a bit worse than she was. And she has cluster seizures which means they don't stop and we have to admit her each time (except the last one-she stopped on her own).
She doesn't like being picked up or even held really. I think maybe she doesn't like being picked up because she can't see so it scares her?
I have had to shave her beautiful hair short as she won't let us groom her anymore.
She is a lot of work but we don't have the heart to put her down as the vet doesn't feel she is in any pain? But I question her quality of life sometimes-either way I feel sad and guilty....
I think I covered everything? Please if you have any other questions, just ask me!
Can I ask who you think may have this? You said not your baby right?
Hope this helps!!
Trina

I'm so sorry for your little one It sounds like this is a very difficult thing for both of you. You definitely covered everything. Thank you soo much for sharing your story also. I'll send you a PM.

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by Yorkieluv

I agree, Laciebug was determined to live her life to the fullest, and it sounds like she did. My yorkie has an inoperable liver shunt and he has to be on special food and takes medicine twice a day. He looks very healthy and is very playful, but he has his down days. I pray every single day that he lives a long and healthy life. He brings so much joy to our lives, that I can't imagine life without him.

I am so sorry that you are having to deal with Liver Shunt. It sounds like you have things well under control, you are to be commended for taking such good care of your little one. Hugs to you both

[Yorkieluv]

Thank you!

[sammiz]

Originally Posted by LoveMyGirlz

I have a 5 lb Maltese who has hydrocephalus...She was 3 years old in Nov and she was diagnosed at about 1 year.
She was a "normal" playful pup till around 10 months old or so. However prior to that time she had a couple of episodes where she would just cry out like she was in pain. It scared us to death and we'd take her each time to her vet. They ran so many tests on her and found nothing. She started circling but also ran around like normal sometimes. She also bumped into things and rubbed her head A LOT along the couch.
One morning she was sort of convulsing! I was petrified as I'd never seen anyone or any animal have a seizure! In tears I sped to her vet. She lost control of her bowel on the way. I think they gave her some seditive - I cant remember, but we went home together and scheduled an appt at a neurologist. He took one look at her walking around the office and said he thought it was hydrocephalus. We had an MRI done and it was confirmed. My perfect angel had water on the brain! He should us her xray and her entire head is filled with fluid!! I cried and cried!
We live with it. She is on one medicine 2x a day and another every other day. She has to stay in her own ex-pen because she no longer is potty trained and also because the pressure on her brain makes it so she cannot see. She continuously walkes in circles now - I don't think she can or will even walk a straight line anymore.
Her eyes look a bit crossed. Her skull looks a bit wide - the fontanel is not closed which is one of the signs, as is the circling.
Each time she has a seizure, she seems to come out of them a bit worse than she was. And she has cluster seizures which means they don't stop and we have to admit her each time (except the last one-she stopped on her own).
She doesn't like being picked up or even held really. I think maybe she doesn't like being picked up because she can't see so it scares her?
I have had to shave her beautiful hair short as she won't let us groom her anymore.
She is a lot of work but we don't have the heart to put her down as the vet doesn't feel she is in any pain? But I question her quality of life sometimes-either way I feel sad and guilty....
I think I covered everything? Please if you have any other questions, just ask me!
Can I ask who you think may have this? You said not your baby right?
Hope this helps!!
Trina

What a wonderful Mommy you are.

[LoveMyGirlz]

Originally Posted by sammiz

What a wonderful Mommy you are.

Thank you so much...I'm just thankful that we got her and not someone who may have given up on her or may not have been in the position financially to do what we had to do....I have to post her picture, she is a beautiful girl

[rachelsyorkie]

Hmmm I wonder if a little pup I rescued from the pound had that. There was a litter of 5 & 4 were adopted, this 1 had gone into a seizure I rushed him to the vet , they said maybe a shunt & said they could test but everything came back negetive. Charged me $600, knowing he was a pound pup I rescued from the gas chamber. He was blind for awhile then came out of it. I thought it was just a freak thing because he was doing so well. I put him in w/another pup which got adopted & I told him I would be moving him to the house the next day to start house training. I was just going to keep him because of his history. I was excited & went to get him for a bath & to start training- but he was having a seisure Back to the vet, they couldnt stop them his veins kept collapsing so I made the choice to put him down. He was 4 months old. It was very sad. I feel bad that maybe the stress of being alone that night made him relaps

You all are very brave, You have some lucky pooches