Cerebrospinal fluids are produced in the brain as protectant agents, and in a healthy, properly functioning brain, these fluids drain from the skull and are absorbed into the circulatory system. In pets who are affected by hydroencephalitis, or hydrocephalus, these fluids are unable to drain either due to congenital defects, tumors in the brain or trauma to the head. Pets affected are usually younger than 18 months or older than 6 years.
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Physical Appearance
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In younger pets, usually 4-months-old, the bones at the top of the head do not properly close. In a pet with hydrocephalus, fluids will begin to build up in this area, known as an open fontanel. The open fontanel is soft and bulges outward, creating an unusual dome shape. In older dogs, this does not occur because the skull bones have already fused together.
Abnormal Gait
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Many dogs and cats affected by hydrocephalus have an altered or abnormal gait. This may mean that whenever walking or movement is attempted, it is staggered, uncoordinated, spastic or clumsy. Many owners describe this as if their pet appears to be drunk.
Mental Health
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Pets affected by hydrocephalus often suffer from a compromised mental state. This often means that the pet is mentally retarded with limited learning capabilities. The compromised mental state is a result of damage to the brain tissue due to the excessive fluid buildups.
Seizures
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Dogs with hydrocephalus can suffer from seizures. Seizures are an altered state of consciousness in which the affected animal has involuntary movements. Movements can be spastic in nature or they can cause the animal to go stiff or rigid for a select period of time.
Head Tilt
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Many animals also display head tilt. Head tilt is also a sign of other issues affecting the animal such as an ear infection, hypothyroidism or old dog vestibular disease. Head tilt is a condition in which the head is tilted to one side or the other. It is often accompanied by circling, falling or rolling, and is usually in the direction the head is tilted.
Impairments
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Pets affected by hydrocephalus often have several impairments, not including their impaired mental state. This includes visual impairments such as blindness or auditory impairments, such as hearing loss.
Coma
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Many animals will eventually succumb to coma before death ultimately occurs. Pets who are suffering from hydrocephalus have very limited lifespans, especially if the condition is diagnosed prior to 18 months. Very few will live past the age of 2.
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