Raising a dog can bring joy to your life and home. However, your pet is prone to health issues, and they’re often hard to identify. For example, hydrocephalus, or “water on the brain,” can result in brain damage, but your pup won’t be able to communicate their symptoms. To learn more about this condition and when to see a veterinarian, take a look at the following frequently asked questions.

What You Should Know About Hydrocephalus

What is hydrocephalus?

This condition is marked by the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull. While this fluid is normally used to protect and nourish the brain, excess amounts can result in brain inflammation, resulting in dangerous amounts of pressure inside the skull. If untreated, hydrocephalus may result in brain damage and death.

What are the symptoms?

Some signs of hydrocephalus may seem like typical behavioral issues — such as problems being potty-trained, trouble eating, or constant restlessness. However, physical indications like wide-set eyes, a domed skull, and the kicking out of the legs when walking might indicate that your puppy has hydrocephalus. In severe cases, dogs with this condition may suffer from seizures, blindness, or comas.

What is it caused by?

Small and toy dog breeds are more likely to be born with this condition, including Chihuahuas, Boston terriers, Maltese, and Yorkshire terriers. Sometimes, the condition is a result of birthing complications. Dogs that develop hydrocephalus later in life may have contracted the parainfluenza virus, suffered from intracranial inflammatory disease, or developed a brain tumor.

How is it treated?

In some cases, veterinarians can use corticosteroid shots to reduce inflammation in the brain. However, if the hydrocephalus is too developed, they may need to perform brain surgery to redirect the excess fluid. 

If you’re worried that your dog is showing signs of this condition, take them to Animal Care Hospital of Lewisburg, PA. They’ve been providing veterinary services throughout Susquehanna Valley since 1987. In addition to dogs, they also treat cats, ferrets, and rabbits for hydrocephalus and other health conditions. To learn more about their veterinarians, visit the website. Call (570) 524-7560 to schedule an appointment.