Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hydrocephalus from blocked brain fluid openings in two dogs
By Kent, M et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2016·University of Georgia, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hydrocephalus secondary to obstruction of the lateral apertures in two dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old male Dachshund and a 6-year-old male Labrador were both diagnosed with hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of fluid in the brain due to blockages. The dogs showed symptoms related to their spinal cord and brainstem, such as coordination issues and possible pain. MRI scans revealed that their brain ventricles were enlarged, indicating a blockage, but the exact cause of the obstruction wasn't clear. While one dog unfortunately passed away, the findings suggest that future cases might benefit from treatments aimed at restoring fluid flow in the brain.
People also search for: dog hydrocephalus symptoms · Dachshund brain problems · Labrador MRI results for dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Traditionally, hydrocephalus is divided into communicating or non-communicating (obstructive) based on the identification of a blockage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow through the ventricular system. Hydrocephalus ex vacuo refers to ventricular enlargement as a consequence of neuroparenchymal loss. Hydrocephalus related to obstruction of the lateral apertures of the fourth ventricles has rarely been described. CASE REPORT: The clinicopathologic findings in two dogs with hydrocephalus secondary to obstruction of the lateral apertures of the fourth ventricle are reported. Signs were associated with a caudal cervical spinal cord lesion in one dog and a caudal brain stem lesion in the other dog. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed dilation of the ventricular system, including the lateral recesses of the fourth ventricle. In one dog, postmortem ventriculography confirmed obstruction of the lateral apertures. Microscopic changes were identified in the choroid plexus in both dogs, yet a definitive cause of the obstructions was not identified. The MRI findings in both dogs are similar to membranous occlusion of the lateral and median apertures in human patients. CONCLUSION: MRI detection of dilation of the entire ventricular system in the absence of an identifiable cause should prompt consideration of an obstruction of the lateral apertures. In future cases, therapeutic interventions aimed at re-establishing CSF flow or ventriculoperitoneal catheterisation should be considered.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27785804/