Although hydrocephalus in small brachycephalic and toy breed dogs has been extensively reported and is well- recognised, there is little information available about this condition in other breeds. This retrospective study aimed to report the clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, and outcome of medium-to-large breed dogs diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Medium-to-large breed dogs with internal hydrocephalus and the absence of other causes of encephalopathy on MRI were included in this retrospective multicentric study. Signalment, clinical history, neurological findings, MRI characteristics, treatment, and short-term outcome were recorded. Thirty dogs with internal hydrocephalus met the inclusion criteria. Most affected dogs presented at a young age (median: 8.5 months, range: 2 months – 9 years). Multiple breeds were affected with Border collies being overrepresented (8/29). The most common presenting complaints included ataxia (53%), vestibular signs (33%), and weakness (21%). Neuroanatomical localisation was variable with multifocal (11/30) and cervical spinal cord segments (8/29) found more frequently. MRI findings could be divided into ventriculomegaly (I) predominantly affecting the lateral ventricles (37%) and (II) affecting the entire ventricular system (63%). Additional features included syringomyelia (20/30) and supracollicular fluid accumulation (23/30). Twelve dogs were treated medically, and 14 dogs underwent surgery (13 by the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt). Short-term outcome was good in 3/12 dogs treated medically and 7/14 treated surgically. Unlike small breeds, many dogs in this study showed dilation of the entire ventricular system. Hence, obstruction of the lateral apertures should be considered as an important cause of hydrocephalus in medium-to-large breed dogs.

Clinical Findings, MRI Features, and Short-Term Outcome of Medium-to-Large Breed Dogs with Hydrocephalus

M. Bernardini;
2022

Abstract

Although hydrocephalus in small brachycephalic and toy breed dogs has been extensively reported and is well- recognised, there is little information available about this condition in other breeds. This retrospective study aimed to report the clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, and outcome of medium-to-large breed dogs diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Medium-to-large breed dogs with internal hydrocephalus and the absence of other causes of encephalopathy on MRI were included in this retrospective multicentric study. Signalment, clinical history, neurological findings, MRI characteristics, treatment, and short-term outcome were recorded. Thirty dogs with internal hydrocephalus met the inclusion criteria. Most affected dogs presented at a young age (median: 8.5 months, range: 2 months – 9 years). Multiple breeds were affected with Border collies being overrepresented (8/29). The most common presenting complaints included ataxia (53%), vestibular signs (33%), and weakness (21%). Neuroanatomical localisation was variable with multifocal (11/30) and cervical spinal cord segments (8/29) found more frequently. MRI findings could be divided into ventriculomegaly (I) predominantly affecting the lateral ventricles (37%) and (II) affecting the entire ventricular system (63%). Additional features included syringomyelia (20/30) and supracollicular fluid accumulation (23/30). Twelve dogs were treated medically, and 14 dogs underwent surgery (13 by the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt). Short-term outcome was good in 3/12 dogs treated medically and 7/14 treated surgically. Unlike small breeds, many dogs in this study showed dilation of the entire ventricular system. Hence, obstruction of the lateral apertures should be considered as an important cause of hydrocephalus in medium-to-large breed dogs.
2022
Spinal Cord Injury - Abstract of the 34th Symposium of the European Society of Veterinary Neurology
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11577/3458105
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