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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Dog with hydrocephalus and Chiari I malformation treated with VP shunt

By Kim, Heejaung et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary science·2006·The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Japan·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Application of ventriculoperitoneal shunt as a treatment for hydrocephalus in a dog with syringomyelia and Chiari I malformation.

Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

A 20-month-old male Chihuahua was brought in for unsteady movements, known as ataxia. After thorough examinations including X-rays and an MRI, the vet found that the dog had hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain), Chiari I malformation, and syringomyelia (fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord). The treatment involved placing a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to help drain the excess fluid, which improved the dog's neurological symptoms. However, the underlying Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia were still present after the procedure.

People also search for: Chihuahua ataxia treatment · dog hydrocephalus symptoms · Chiari malformation in dogs · syringomyelia treatment for dogs

Abstract

A twenty-month-old Chihuahua male dog was presented to us suffering with ataxia. Based on the physical examination, X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, we diagnosed the dog with hydrocephalus, Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia. Treatment consisted of internal medical treatment and the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. The ventricular dilatation was relieved and the dog improved neurologically; however, the Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia remained after surgically positioning the VP shunt.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16645349/