Hydrocephalus is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull that puts pressure on the brain. Also known as “water on the brain,” it causes brain swelling and can have severe pet health consequences, including brain damage. Learn more about the condition below, including symptoms and what you can do to help your canine.

A Brief Guide to Hydrocephalus

What is hydrocephalus, and are there different kinds?

Hydrocephalus comes in two primary forms: obstructive and compensatory. Both conditions can either be congenital or acquired later in life.

Obstructive hydrocephalus occurs when a circulatory blockage allows spinal fluid to build up near the middle brain. Compensatory causes spinal fluid to accumulate where areas of the nervous system either didn’t develop or were damaged.

What are the symptoms?

Dogs with this condition often have dome-shaped skulls and wide-set or crossed eyes. Affected canines may also have soft spots on their skulls, irregular breathing patterns, and coordination issues. They’re susceptible to numerous health problems, including slow growth, seizures, blindness, and dementia.

Dogs may experience behavioral problems such as difficulty learning and potty training, eating and drinking, restlessness, compulsively walking in circles.

How is it treated?

Medications, like corticosteroids, treat hydrocephalus in its early stages by decreasing cerebrospinal fluid production and brain inflammation. Anti-seizure medication may also be prescribed depending on the dog’s symptoms.

Other treatment options include surgery to place a shunt that will drain excess fluid from the brain into the abdominal cavity for reabsorption. Recovery rates typically depend on the dog’s age and how early the condition was diagnosed.

Is the condition preventable?

The only way to prevent hydrocephalus is to breed it out. Affected canines must be removed from breeding activities, as should any dogs with a family history of the condition. Small and toy breeds appear to be the most susceptible, including Pomeranians, chihuahuas, toy poodles, English bulldogs, pugs, and Yorkshire and Boston terriers. 

If you suspect your dog is suffering from hydrocephalus, contact the veterinarians at Parker Animal Clinic in Clarksville, AR. This pet health center has served the region for over 20 years, caring for animals of all sizes, and offering an online discount store for medicine and specialty dog food. After-hours care and in-house blood work are also available. Call (479) 754-5656 to schedule an appointment or learn more about their pet health services online.