Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hydrocephalus in a small dog treated with brain shunt surgery
By J.N. Woo et al.·Published in Veterinární Medicína·2009·Veterinary Surgery, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea, CZ·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Application of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement through fontanelle in a hydrocephalus dog: a case report
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 2.5-year-old male Chihuahua was brought to the vet because he was having trouble standing, walking, and was experiencing seizures, tremors, and a head tilt. After various tests, including an MRI, the dog was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of fluid in the brain. The vet performed surgery to place a special shunt that helps drain the excess fluid. After the surgery, the dog stopped having seizures and tremors, and he was able to stand and walk again, although his movements were still a bit slow and he still had a slight head tilt.
People also search for: Chihuahua seizures treatment · dog hydrocephalus surgery · why is my dog tilting his head
Abstract
A two and a half year old Chihuahua intact male dog weighing 1.7 kg was referred to our Animal Medical Centre presenting with ataxia, seizure, nystagmus, tremor, and tilt. Additionally, it was not able to stand and sit. Physical examination, palpation, neurology examination, complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry test, radiographs (X-ray), ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were all performed. Open fontanelle, domeshaped calvarium, a thinning of bone structure, and asymmetrically enlarged lateral ventricles on the right were found on diagnostic imaging. Accordingly, the dog was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. A VP shunt placement was performed as surgical treatment. The ventricular catheter was placed into the right lateral ventricle through the fontanelle insertion site and the distal catheter was placed in the abdomen using the percutaneous technique. After surgery, anorexia, seizure, tremor, and nystagmus disappeared. Also, the dog could stand and walk without support; however, gait was slow and not completely normal and the tilt remained.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.17221/140/2009-VETMED