Hydrocephalus is a condition that has been diagnosed in many different dog breeds, but Chihuahuas are at a higher risk for this serious illness. What is hydrocephalus?
It’s an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranium, leading to increased pressure on the brain and spinal cord. Hydrocephalus can be congenital or acquired later in life.
This article will explain what causes hydrocephalus, how it affects your chihuahua, and what you can do about it!
What Is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a condition that affects the brain and can cause brain swelling. It is a disease caused by fluid accumulation in the brain’s spaces. This fluid build-up puts pressure on the brain, which can damage it.
Congenital hydrocephalus is a condition that affects the brain, causing an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. When there is too much CSF, it can put pressure on the brain, leading to several symptoms. Hydrocephalus can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develops later in life).
Chihuahuas are particularly susceptible to developing hydrocephalus because of their skull shape. In addition, the flatness and shortness of the chihuahua’s cranial vault may obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to acquired or congenital hydrocephalus.
Acquired hydrocephalus can occur if an obstruction prevents CSF from leaving the brain, such as a tumor or mass developing on your dog’s pituitary gland. It may also be acquired when blood vessels in the head are damaged, and bleeding occurs inside the skull cavity (subarachnoid hemorrhage).
Causes of Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus may be congenital (present from birth) or acquired later in life. Congenital hydrocephalus is the most common form, and its causes are, including:
An Abnormality In The Development Of The Brain:
This is the most common cause of congenital hydrocephalus. Malformations, tumors, and cysts can all lead to fluid accumulation and pressure on the brain.
Infection:
Meningitis or encephalitis (infections of the brain) can cause hydrocephalus.
Trauma:
A skull fracture or other injury to the head can lead to hydrocephalus.
Birth Defects:
Some congenital disabilities, such as spina bifida, can obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and the development of hydrocephalus.
Acquired Hydrocephalus Causes Can Include:
Tumors Or Cysts On The Brain:
Brain tumors and cysts can cause a blockage in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to hydrocephalus.
Stroke:
A stroke can damage the brain and lead to the development of hydrocephalus.
Injury To The Head:
Any injury that causes bleeding inside the skull can lead to hydrocephalus, as blood will obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Complications Of Surgery:
Certain types of surgery (such as brain surgery) may cause acquired hydrocephalus if bits of tissue or bone are left behind and block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Bleeding Inside The Skull:
Bleeding in the brain may cause hydrocephalus as blood will obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Swelling Of The Brain:
Any condition that causes brain swelling can lead to an obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid, causing acquired hydrocephalus.
Chihuahua skull shape
Dachshunds may also develop acquired hydrocephalus later in life. It is thought that Dachshunds are predisposed to congenital hydrocephalus, and dogs with this condition should be avoided when selecting a puppy from a breeder as it can lead to neurological problems, such as seizures or paralysis of the rear legs.
What Are Sort Of Dogs At Risk Of Hydrocephalus?
Any dog can develop hydrocephalus, but certain breeds are at a higher risk. In particular, Chihuahuas and Dachshunds appear more susceptible than other dogs.
Chihuahuas have been known to suffer from congenital and acquired forms of hydrocephalus. The exact cause is unknown, but Chihuahuas are thought to be more susceptible to hydrocephalus because of their skull shape.
The flatness and shortness of the chihuahua’s cranial vault may obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to acquired or congenital hydrocephalus.
All dogs are at risk for developing hydrocephalus, but some breeds are more prone to it than others. Chihuahuas are one of the dog breeds that this condition affects mostly. Other dogs that are at a higher risk include:
- Poodles
- Dachshunds
How Can I Tell if My Chihuahua Has Hydrocephalus?
Chihuahuas that suffer from congenital hydrocephalus will show symptoms within two weeks after birth (before they arrive home with you) but can also develop it later in life due to other causes, such as infection or trauma affecting the central nervous system.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hydrocephalus In A Chihuahua?
Common symptoms of hydrocephalus include:
- Head tilting (the head may turn to one side)
- Unexplained rapid eye movement
- Uncoordinated walking or stumbling
- Head pressing against objects in the environment and having a hard time holding up their weight when standing due to lack of muscle control
- Difficulty eating, swallowing, drinking water, or maintaining balance while doing so
- Drowsiness, confusion, and other behavioral changes such as restlessness followed by sudden periods where your dog is extremely active for no reason at all
- Lack of interest in playing with toys; more interested in sleeping than usual
- Painful sensitivity around the neck area that results from increased pressure
Symptoms of hydrocephalus in the chihuahua may vary depending on age and underlying cause, but some common symptoms are there.
These symptoms often show themselves between six months and two years old. If your dog shows any of these signs, you must immediately take them to your veterinarian for diagnosis!
What Can I Do For My Chihuahua?
There is a medical procedure that you can perform to treat hydrocephalus. Place a shunt into the brain or cerebrospinal fluid, so it drains and doesn’t build up. This helps reduce pressure on the brain but does not cure your dog of this condition!
Shunts are often permanent, especially early in life (before symptoms develop). Therefore, it’s important to watch for signs of recurrence or to wworsenedptoms after surgery if you want to avoid another costly operation later on down the road.
Can My Chihuahua Recover From Hydrocephalus Naturally?
If you find yourself with no other options, there may very well be natural remedies that can help you treat your dog’s hydrocephalus.
Herbs and supplements such as omega-three fatty acids, fish oils, and ginkgo Biloba effectively promote brain function. In some cases, they may even work to improve neurological signs!
For these herbs or nutrients to be utilized by the body effectively, it is important to take them regularly over a long period (at least two months).
If your dog has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, there is no known cure. Only treatments which aim at minimizing symptoms.
Surgery is the option if symptoms begin to worsen or become more apparent. Therefore, owners must keep an eye out for any changes in their dog’s behavior or physical appearance.
Congenital Hydrocephalus: Chihuahuas Are Most At Risk!
Chihuahuas are one of many breeds that can have congenital hydrocephalus. Why? The flatness and shortness of their cranial vault make it more difficult to properly drain cerebrospinal fluid through the nose, leading to hydrocephalus.
The flatness of the chihuahua skull is due to an elongation of their nasal bones and widening them at the top, leading to a greater risk for congenital hydrocephalus in certain breeds. If you are concerned about your dog’s risk factors or want more information on how this condition may affect your pet, please get in touch with the vet!
