Water on the Brain in Dogs

Water on the brain in your dog is also known hydrocephalus. The condition is an expansion or abnormal dilation of the ventricle system as a result of excess spinal fluid volume. The excess fluid and abnormal dilation can affect one or both sides of the brain. The ventricles swell from the excess fluid, compressing and thinning brain tissue, which causes increased aggression in the affected dog. This condition is more common in small dogs and short-nosed breeds.

  1. Hydrocephalus

    • According to Veterinary Partner, the brain and the spinal cord are surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Chambers in the brain where the fluid forms are called ventricles. In hydrocephalus, there is excess fluid, either due to a drainage problem or over-production of the fluid. If it is a congenital problem, the skull is soft and causes a domed head due to swelling and excess fluids. The skull, however, cannot expand further and these fluids cause compression of the brain.

    Causes

    • Most times the cause of water on the brain is genetics. The puppy is not born with the water on the brain but the anatomical problems that lead to it. Certain breeds with a natural tendency toward a domed head are more susceptible as well, such as the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire terrier, English bulldog, Lhasa Apso, pug, Pekingese, Boston terrier, Maltese, toy poodle and cairn terrier. Other causes may be prenatal infection, par influenza virus, canine distemper, parvovirus, bacterial meningitis, fungal encephalitis, brain hemorrhage, inflammation or mass on the brain.

    Symptoms

    • Pet Place states that some visible signs and symptoms may be an altered mental state, crying, hyperexcitability, coma, seizures, visual and audible impairment, unstable walking, head pressing and tilting and abnormal eye movements.

    Diagnosis

    • Some of the tests your veterinarian may requestsare a neurological assessment of your dog's mental status and level of consciousness, cranial nerve examination, gait assessment, postural reactions, spinal nerve reflexes and sensory examination. He may also order laboratory work to assess kidney and liver function, skull radiographs, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound of the brain, spinal tap and an electroencephalogram (EEG).

    Treatment

    • The goal in treatment is to minimize or prevent brain damage from CSF. Drugs may decrease the production of CSF. Surgery may be necessary if there is an obstruction such as tumors or malformations. A vet can perform shunt surgery, inserting a tube into the dilated ventricle for drainage of CSF. He then places the tube under the skin to an area outside of the brain, possibly the abdominal cavity. As your dog grows, the shunt will need to be refitted. The vet will also prescribe antibiotic therapy for possible infections after surgeries. Also helpful is corticosteroids such as prednisone, which can relieve swelling in the brain.

    Prognosis/Home Care

    • Prognosis for water on the brain in your dog is poor without treatment. There is no guarantee on the effectiveness of the treatment due to the severity of the condition. Dogs with the congenital hydrocephalus have a great prognosis after medical and surgical treatment. Once your dog is home, you need to monitor it for recurring symptoms of lethargy, fever, a stiff or painful neck, seizures or deteriorating level of consciousness. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these signs. Protect your dog's head at all times and treat infections immediately to ward off the risk of developing the disorder.