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01-20-2007, 09:46 AM | #1 |
YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Posts: 5
| my Milo yorkie might have hyrocephalus Can anyone tell me anything about hydrocephalus?
__________________ MILO, TAZ, & ROMEO! |
Welcome Guest! | |
01-20-2007, 09:52 AM | #2 |
Donating YT 3000 Club Member | heres some info i found Hydrocephalus is a neurological disease in which there is excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricular system of the brain. Both males and females are equally affected. 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 http://www.petplace.com/dogs/hydroce...ogs/page1.aspx |
01-20-2007, 09:53 AM | #3 |
Donating YT 3000 Club Member | Hydrocephalus is the excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain. It occurs when there is an obstruction along the fluid pathway, which prevents the fluid from being absorbed. When this happens, the continuous production of CSF eventually leads to excess fluid. The most common form of hydrocephalus is congenital hydrocephalus. In congenital hydrocephalus, the excess fluid accumulates before or soon after birth. We are not sure why this happens in all cases, but possibilities include an inherited malformation of the fluid pathway or infection or injury around the time of birth. Less commonly hydrocephalus occurs in adult dogs, usually due to a tumor or infection in the brain that obstructs the CSF pathways. Congenital hydrocephalus occurs in young puppies. Sporadic cases can occur in any breed, but it is most common in small and toy breeds. If hydrocephalus occurs in a puppy there is usually an abnormally large, dome shaped head. The fontanel (morula, "soft spot") on the top of the skull is usually abnormally large and can be felt. If hydrocephalus occurs after the skull has stopped growing, the head will not enlarge. Hydrocephalus can cause a variety of neurological signs, including seizures, incoordination, abnormal behavior, a tendency to walk in circles, and blindness. These signs may come and go or become worse over time. Diagnosis is based on the signs in conjunction with techniques to image the brain. In dogs with a fontanel, ultrasound can be performed by scanning through the fontanel to detect the excessive accumulation of fluid within the brain. Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are also useful. Young dogs with mild signs may improve without treatment, as they get older. Medications, such as corticosteroids, are sometimes helpful. In some cases, surgery is performed to implant a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This is a device that transfers the excess fluid from within the brain to the abdomen, where it is absorbed. http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-...rocephalus.HTM |
01-20-2007, 09:54 AM | #4 |
Donating YT 3000 Club Member | |
01-20-2007, 10:02 AM | #5 |
YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Posts: 5
| Thank you. I hope he does not have it!
__________________ MILO, TAZ, & ROMEO! |
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