Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunts in dogs and cats with
By Gradner, Gabriele et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2019·Department of Small Animal Surgery·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Complications associated with ventriculoperitoneal shunts in dogs and cats with idiopathic hydrocephalus: A systematic review.
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs and cats with idiopathic hydrocephalus (a condition where fluid builds up in the brain) underwent a procedure called ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) to help manage their symptoms. After the surgery, some pets experienced complications such as shunt obstruction, pain, and infections, particularly within the first six months. In dogs, about 10% had shunt obstructions, while in cats, 15% had issues with the shunt coiling in the tissue. Despite these risks, VPS is still considered a good treatment option, and early detection of any problems is crucial for the best outcome.
People also search for: dog hydrocephalus treatment · cat shunt complications · ventriculoperitoneal shunt risks in pets · signs of shunt obstruction in dogs · hydrocephalus in cats symptoms
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Several case series and case reports have been published about idiopathic hydrocephalus treatment in dogs and cats using ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS). OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk and type of complications in dogs and cats after VPS placement. ANIMALS: Sixteen papers were included. Sixty dogs and 13 cats with idiopathic hydrocephalus treated by VPS placement were identified. METHODS: The databases CAB, Scopus, and Medline were used. Idiopathic/congenital hydrocephalus, feline/canine patients, ventriculoperitoneal shunting, complications, and outcomes were inclusion criteria. The focus was on complication type and time frame within which they arose. RESULTS: Complications in dogs (n = 60) were shunt obstruction (6/60; 10%), pain (4/60; 5.5%), shunt infection (3/60; 4.1%), disconnection (3/60; 4.1%), excessive shunting (2/60; 2.7%), and kinking (1/60; 1.6%). Complications in cats (n = 13) were coiling of the shunt in the SC tissue (2/13; 15.4%); kinking (1/13; 7.7%); and shunt obstruction (1/13; 7.7%). Complications were most likely during the first 6 months after shunt placement. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is considered a viable treatment option for patients with hydrocephalus. Potential complications should be discussed with the owner. Early diagnosis of complications is essential.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30747447/