Hydrocephalus is a neurological disease in which there is excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricular system of the brain.
The bones of the skull are soft and can be enlarged due to the increased volume and pressure leading to a dome shaped cranium.
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.
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
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.
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