In this article on our site we are going to explain what hydrocephalus in dogs consists of. Luckily, it is not a very common pathology, but we must take it into account, especially if we are caregivers of small or brachycephalic breeds, as these animals have a greater predisposition to suffer from this disease. We will also learn to identify its symptoms because hydrocephalus is going to need rapid and intensive veterinary assistance. Even so, the prognosis is reserved.
If you suspect that your furry companion could be suffering from this pathology, either because he has suffered a trauma or because he is still a puppy and it may be a congenital problem, read on to discover all about hydrocephalus in dogs.
What is hydrocephalus in dogs?
Hydrocephaly, as its name suggests, consists of the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in what are called cerebral ventricles. This causes them to increase in size and thus damage the cerebral cortex by compressing it against the bones of the skull. Most cases of hydrocephalus are congenital, but there are other acquired cases that are triggered by trauma, infections that affect the brain, or tumors.
It is important that we know that some dogs will be more predisposed to suffer from this disorder in a congenital way. Thus, it is the case of hydrocephalus in chihuahuas or hydrocephalus in pug, yorkshire, m altese, lhasa apso, pomeranian dogs, etc., because they are toy or small breedsThe same thing happens in hydrocephalus in bulldogs, in this case due to the brachycephalic conformation of their heads. That is, the size and shape of the skull influence the presentation of this pathology.
Hydrocephaly in puppies, even if it is congenital, that is, the dog was born with the disease, it may not manifest itself until the little one is several months old, although, in general, it will appear before six months.
Signs of hydrocephalus in dogs
In general, hydrocephalus is more common in puppies than in adults because it is more likely to be congenital. Therefore, if your puppy has a swollen head and you suspect this pathology, it is important to know the rest of the signs and go to the specialist. The symptoms that should alert us to a possible hydrocephalus in our dog are the following:
- Seizures.
- Enlargement of the cranial vault, which makes the head appear larger than normal.
- Open fontanelles.
- Partial or total blindness.
- Squint.
- Alterations in behavior.
- Wander in a circle.
- Miscoordination.
- The dog presses its head against objects.
- In the most severe cases, the animal will be stuporous and even go into a coma.
It must be taken into account that the lack of closure of the fontanelles cannot be a diagnostic criterion because it is not uncommon for them to remain open in toy breeds. Therefore, knowing when the fontanelle closes in dogs, which is usually before six months, is not relevant in this case.
On the other hand, since some of the symptoms of hydrocephalus in dogs are present in other he alth problems, it is necessary to visit the veterinarianas soon as possible so that you can identify the cause and determine if, in fact, we have this problem.
In the following video by Ricardo Medina Bugarin we can see a clinical case of hydrocephalus in a Chihuahua dog and the main symptoms.
Diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus in dogs
The veterinarian can diagnose hydrocephalus from cranial X-rays, ultrasound of the ventricles, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Depending on each case, this professional will choose the most appropriate test. In addition, there is a hydrocephalus that is called subclinical in which there is an increase in the size of the ventricles but without symptoms such as those described. As hydrocephalus in dogs can be an acquired disease, it will also be necessary to carry out the pertinent tests to find the underlying cause, if this is the case.
The treatment of this pathology is aimed at controlling intracranial pressure, reduce the production of cerebrospinal fluid and alleviate the symptoms that have arisen. To do this, the dog must be stabilized and drugs such as corticosteroids and diuretics used. This usually involves the entry of the animal. In some extreme cases, surgery can also be used to place a drain. When there are no symptoms, treatment can be administered at home. In any case, it is also necessary to schedule a follow-up to control the evolution.
Prognosis of hydrocephalus in dogs
It is not possible to give a prognosis for this disease that is valid for all affected dogs, since it will depend on the damage that has occurred and the speed with which treatment is started. If the dog is sought veterinary assistance before brain damage occurs, the prognosis will be favorable in the long term. Of course, dogs that recover from hydrocephalus can be left with consequences Many of them will present coordination and learning problems. They will, therefore, be more clumsy dogs, to whom it is difficult to teach basic education commands.
Dogs with congenital hydrocephalus cannot be cured, so the prognosis is more serious and many die as puppies. They are also given treatment to palliate the symptoms and try to maintain the balance between the cerebrospinal fluid that is produced and that which is eliminated.
