hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus means “water in the brain.”

It occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the clear fluid that cushions and nourishes the brain — builds up inside the brain’s ventricles (fluid spaces) faster than it can drain or be absorbed.

This causes ventricular dilation, brain compression, and neurologic signs such as behavioural changes, vision loss, circling, or seizures.

Hydrocephalus can be:

• Congenital (born with it) — common in toy and brachycephalic breeds (Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Maltese, Boston Terrier, Bulldog)

• Acquired — from tumors, infections, inflammation, or trauma

Treatment focuses on reducing CSF pressure medically or surgically.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP shunt) placement is the gold-standard surgical therapy for suitable cases.