Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Outcome of brain shunt surgery for hydrocephalus in dogs and cats
By Biel, Miriam et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2013·Small Animal Clinic, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Outcome of ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation for treatment of congenital internal hydrocephalus in dogs and cats: 36 cases (2001-2009).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 36 pets, including 30 dogs and 6 cats, were treated for congenital internal hydrocephalus (a condition where fluid builds up in the brain) using a special device called a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. After the surgery, 72% of the pets showed improvement in their symptoms, with some even having their signs completely resolve. However, 22% experienced complications like shunt malfunction or seizures, and 36% either died or were euthanized due to related issues. Most complications occurred within the first three months after surgery, so regular check-ups during this time are important.
People also search for: dog hydrocephalus treatment · cat shunt surgery recovery · signs of hydrocephalus in pets
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine outcome data for cats and dogs with congenital internal hydrocephalus following treatment via ventriculoperitoneal shunting to determine treatment-associated changes in neurologic signs, the nature and incidence of postoperative complications, and survival time. DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter case series. ANIMALS: 30 dogs and 6 cats with congenital internal hydrocephalus (confirmed via CT or MRI). PROCEDURES: Medical records for dogs and cats with internal hydrocephalus that underwent unilateral ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation from 2001 through 2009 were evaluated. Data collected included the nature and incidence of postoperative complications, change in clinical signs following surgery, and survival time. To compare pre- and postoperative signs, 2-way frequency tables were analyzed with a 1-sided exact McNemar test. RESULTS: 8 of 36 (22%) animals developed postoperative complications, including shunt malfunction, shunt infection, and seizure events. Three dogs underwent shunt revision surgery. Thirteen (36%) animals died as a result of hydrocephalus-related complications or were euthanized. Following shunt implantation, clinical signs resolved in 7 dogs and 2 cats; overall, 26 (72%) animals had an improvement of clinical signs. After 18 months, 20 animals were alive, and the longest follow-up period was 9.5 years. Most deaths and complications occurred in the first 3 months after shunt placement. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation is a viable option for treatment of dogs or cats with congenital hydrocephalus. Because complications are most likely to develop in the first 3 months after surgery, repeated neurologic and imaging evaluations are warranted during this period.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23517207/