Years ago, I had a tiny little Chihuahua that was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. We were eventually fortunate enough to become involved in research with this baby and hydrocephauls....by using this approach, surgery for implantation of a shunt to drain the fluid from around the brain was done as a "clinical trial", and the costs were covered by the vet school. Rainey died when he was around 5-6 years old....he was on meds for seizures and we were continually having to have the shunt "unclogged"....just like in humans......
This was years ago, and I do not know if there has ever been any more research done for insertion of cerebral shunts in dogs or not.....this was so difficult on little Rainey....I am not sure I would ever do this again for a pup with hydrocephalus.....I am not sure what all we tried to do for this baby was actually in HIS best interest.....or mine, so reluctant to let him go peacefully. Thank God, I have never had this in any of my other pets, and never in my breeding program, so I have not had to revisit this dilemma. Praying for you, for guidance making the decisions you will soon be faced with, and support and strength, for the courage to do so. |