Intracranial Diseases in Dogs

Hydrocephalus

• When excessive fluid is present in the brain, it is termed "hydrocephalus." This condition is usually genetic; however, in some cases it can be caused by trauma to the brain or because of a brain tumor. This condition presents itself in certain dogs who are prone to a dome-shaped head and usually occurs in puppies who are younger than four months.

  Dogs who have hydrocephalus may be blind, suffer from seizures and walk abnormally. In addition to this, they may also be mentally handicapped and have limited learning capacities. Unfortunately, most dogs will not live a normal life with this condition, and many dogs won't live for more than two years.

Cerebellar Hypoplasia

• Cerebellar hypoplasia can occur for two reasons: either the brain failed to fully develop or the brain began to deteriorate soon after birth. Causes of this condition are unknown, but veterinarians speculate that the the condition is either genetic or caused by an infection in the womb.

  This condition is usually noted after the second week of life. Symptoms include a bobbing or tremors of the head whenever the puppy begins to attempt a movement. Some puppies will never develop proper eating or walking habits, leading to an untimely death, while others may continue to have occasional and mild tremors throughout the rest of their lives.

Epilepsy

• Epilepsy occurs when reoccurring seizures are present. This occurs when a certain portion of the brain sends out abnormal chemical messages to the body, which initiates the seizures. Epilepsy has a variety of causes ranging from genetics, low oxygen levels, kidney or liver diseases or disorders, canine distemper, malignant or benign tumors, brain damage or even prescribed medications.

  Treatment usually does not cure epilepsy, and most veterinarians will aim to decrease the overall effect of the seizures, from their frequency to the severity and the length of time which they can occur. Veterinarians will frequently prescribe medications, but there may be a case of trial and error to find the right medication that works for each individual dog.

Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis

• Granulomatous meningoencephalitis occurs when the brain becomes inflamed due to a variety of causes, such as cancerous tumors or lesions on the brain. There are three forms of granulomatous meningoencephalitis: the ocular form, the focal form and the disseminated form. Each form can present similar symptoms such as lesions occurring on the brain tissue, pain in the neck, muscle spasms, loss of vision or a fever.

Dementia

• Canine dementia occurs most often in older dogs. Symptoms of dementia include confusion, forgetful behaviors, getting lost or wandering, having accidents and becoming unresponsive, such as when being called.

  Dogs who are suffering from dementia are often treated with a medication called anipryl. Anipryl helps to reverse some of the damage caused by dementia and has been shown to help up to 75 percent of dogs who are affected, usually within the first month of administering the medication.