Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with blocked brain shunt catheter fixed using laparoscopy
By Brückner, Michael·Published in Veterinary Surgery·2019·Evidensia Specialistdjursjukhuset Helsingborg Helsingborg Sweden·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Laparoscopic repositioning of an obstructed ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter with laparoscopy‐assisted partial omentectomy and omentopexy
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 11-month-old male Cairn Terrier was experiencing worsening neurological symptoms due to a problem with his ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS), which was placed to treat hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain). After imaging tests showed that the shunt was blocked, the veterinarian used laparoscopy to reposition the catheter and also performed a partial omentectomy (removal of part of the omentum, a fold of tissue in the abdomen). The dog recovered well, and follow-up imaging a year later showed significant improvement in his condition, indicating that the shunt was now functioning properly.
People also search for: dog hydrocephalus treatment · Cairn Terrier shunt problems · laparoscopy for dog surgery
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveTo describe the use of laparoscopy for repositioning of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) catheter.Study designCase report.AnimalOne 11‐month‐old male cairn terrier weighing 5.5 kg.MethodsThe dog had placement of a VPS system for primary hydrocephalus at 4 months of age. Poor functioning of the shunt system was suspected because of deteriorating neurological signs. A contrast study of the VPS system provided evidence of a distal shunt obstruction, and repeated brain computed tomography (CT) was consistent with persistent hydrocephalus.ResultsLaparoscopy was used to free the abdominal catheter of the shunt system and perform a partial omentectomy and omentopexy of the remaining omentum. Concurrently, the dog was sterilized. Recovery was routine, and follow‐up CT 1 year after repositioning revealed that the hydrocephalus had substantially improved. Results of a contrast study of the VPS system also provided evidence that it was functional.ConclusionVentriculoperitoneal shunt systems are placed in dogs with primary and secondary hydrocephalus, and complications are quite common, including obstruction, bleeding, infection, and overshunting or undershunting. This is the first published clinical case report in which the repositioning of a VPS catheter with partial omentectomy and omentopexy in a dog are described.Clinical significanceFuture studies may be performed to determine whether laparoscopy can be considered as a treatment to assist with safe placement of VPS systems, avoiding misplacement of the shunt system and iatrogenic damage to the viscera and vessels.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13362