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Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus ("water on the brain") is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain's ventricles, causing increased pressure and brain damage.
Key Facts
- Can be congenital (born with it) or acquired (from tumor, infection, inflammation)
- Congenital: common in toy/brachycephalic breeds (Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier)
- Signs: dome-shaped skull, open fontanelle, seizures, vision problems, circling, behavioral changes
- Many mildly affected pets live normal lives without treatment
- Diagnosis: ultrasound through open fontanelle (puppies), MRI, CT scan
- Treatment: medical (prednisone, omeprazole to reduce CSF production) or surgical (VP shunt placement)
- Species: dogs (primarily); cats (rare)