Treatment of hydrocephalus with ventriculoperitoneal shunting in twelve dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To report use of ventriculoperitoneal shunt in dogs for management of hydrocephalus for which no cause could be identified.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

ANIMALS

Dogs with hydrocephalus (n=12).

METHODS

Medical records (June 2003-June 2009) were reviewed to determine preoperative clinical findings, initial postoperative, and long-term outcome. Additional follow-up information was obtained from owners and referring veterinarians.

RESULTS

All dogs had signs of forebrain dysfunction, 7 had vestibular signs and 3 had signs of spinal pain. Postoperative complications included pain (n=4), undershunting because of shunt kinking (n=1) and seizures (n=1). Initial improvement occurred in all dogs and was sustained in 9 dogs, 1 of which required revision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Sustained clinical improvement can be achieved in hydrocephalus with no active underlying cause by use of ventriculoperitoneal shunting.