Congenital Hydrocephalus

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2016 Mar;46(2):217-29. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.10.003. Epub 2015 Dec 17.

Abstract

There are several types of hydrocephalus, which are characterized based on the location of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulation. Physical features of animals with congenital hydrocephalus may include a dome-shaped skull, persistent fontanelle, and bilateral ventrolateral strabismus. Medical therapy involves decreasing the production of CSF. The most common surgical treatment is placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Postoperative complications may include infection, blockage, drainage abnormalities, and mechanical failure.

Keywords: Brain; Cerebrospinal fluid; Hydrocephalus; Ventricular system; Ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / congenital*
  • Cat Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cat Diseases / therapy
  • Cats
  • Comorbidity
  • Dog Diseases / congenital*
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis
  • Dog Diseases / therapy
  • Dogs
  • Hydrocephalus / complications
  • Hydrocephalus / congenital
  • Hydrocephalus / diagnosis
  • Hydrocephalus / therapy
  • Hydrocephalus / veterinary*
  • Postoperative Complications / veterinary
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / veterinary