Prenatal Sonographic Diagnosis of Fetal Death and Hydranencephaly in Two Chihuahua Fetuses

Abstract

Hydranencephaly and fetal death was diagnosed in two of three fetuses during the abdominal sonographic examination of a 2.5-year-old, intact female Chihuahua that had clinical signs of dystocia 63 days after mating. A cesarean section was performed and one live normal puppy was present. Two dead puppies, each with a markedly enlarged and fluid filled skull were removed.

Foetal echoencephalography and Doppler ultrasonography of the middle cerebral artery in canine foetuses

“…This was demonstrated by Cruz et al . () in two canine foetuses that presented with hydrocephalus, in which this diagnosis helped guide appropriate management of the pregnant female.…”

“…Foetal echoencephalography is important for the early diagnosis of foetal malformations, as hydrocephalia can compromise a pregnancy. This was demonstrated by Cruz et al (2003) in two canine foetuses that presented with hydrocephalus, in which this diagnosis helped guide appropriate management of the pregnant female.…”

“…According to Cruz et al . (), the small size of foetuses and their neurological tissues make it difficult to define intracranial anatomy for prenatal diagnoses.…”

“…However, there are few studies on the use of echoencephalography in veterinary obstetrics. According to Cruz et al (2003), the small size of foetuses and their neurological tissues make it difficult to define intracranial anatomy for prenatal diagnoses.…”

Ultrasonographic approach and findings in calves with hydranencephaly

“…Ultrasonographic diagnosis of hydranencephaly and fluid replacement in the brain of both dog and human fetuses have been reported (Cruz et al., 2003), but there is no report of diagnosis of hydranencephaly by ultrasound in the calves. Tsuka, et al.…”