Hydrocephalus in Dogs

Category: Nervous System & Behavioral
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 5

Overview

Fluid can build up inside the brain's chambers, known as ventricles, and put pressure on the surrounding brain tissue. Hydrocephalus may be present early in life or develop later because of another problem. Some dogs show few obvious signs, while others develop worsening changes in behavior, vision or alertness. Severe cases can damage the brain.

Signs to watch for

Unusual sleepiness or reduced awareness
Poor eyesight or difficulty responding to visual surroundings
Seizures
A noticeably domed head in some affected puppies
Reduced appetite

Signs may appear in puppies, but acquired forms can affect older dogs.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog has a seizure.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet combines the dog's history and an examination of brain and nerve function with images of the brain. Ultrasound through an open skull soft spot, or CT and MRI scans that show the brain's internal structures, can reveal the enlarged fluid-filled chambers. An open soft spot alone does not establish the diagnosis, and other causes of similar signs must also be considered.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Toy

ChihuahuaToy · Toy Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.