Diagnostic approach of hydrocephaly in Shih-Tzu dogs - case report

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the use of complementary imaging tests to aid diagnosis in cases of hydrocephalus in the canine species. A female canine, of the Shih-Tzu breed, approximately three months old, weighing 2 kg, was seen at the Unicentro veterinary school clinic, with the main complaint of not playing and not responding to auditory or visual stimuli. The patient had pain when palpated in the cranial region, as well as pain in the topography of the cervical spine. The animal was sent for imaging exam. On radiographic examination, an enlarged skull was observed with soft tissue radiopacity in the frontal bone area, associated with bone discontinuity in the anatomical topography of the frontal fontanelles. On transcranial ultrasound, anechoic areas located inside the brain were detected, as well as an increase in the dimensions of the lateral ventricles filled with anechoic content. The report was indicative of hydrocephalus. The present study showed the effectiveness of transcranial ultrasound examination and cranial radiographic examination in diagnosing hydrocephalus. Being an alternative to veterinarians, since computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are high-cost exams and these methods are often unavailable, depending on the region.