Spontaneous hemispheric ventricular collapse and subarachnoid haemorrhages in a dog with congenital hydrocephalus internus

Abstract

Background: Overdrainage and collapse of the hemispheres is a potential severe complication after surgical treatment of internal hydrocephalus using ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Here we describe a case of a spontaneous hemispheric ventricular collapse in an untreated dog with congenital hydrocephalus internus. Case presentation: A twelve-week-old, male, intact Golden Retriever was presented with a history of peracute obtundation, impaired vision, and progressive gait abnormalities of all limbs for three days. Neurological examination revealed a dome shaped skull, a broad-based stance and a moderate cerebellar ataxia. The postural responses were markedly delayed in all limbs. Moderate ventro-lateral strabismus, vertical nystagmus and absent menace response were observed bilaterally. Clinical signs indicated multifocal localisation (forebrain, cerebellum). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed dilation of all cerebral ventricles, irregular thinning of the periventricular white and grey matter, consistent with internal hydrocephalus. In addition, the hemispheres were collapsed at the right temporal and left frontal lobe with haemorrhage filling the adjacent subarachnoid space. The dog underwent left frontal and right temporal craniotomy for removal of the haemorrhage. The dog improved on all neurological signs and was discharged after seven days. A repeat MRI three months postsurgical intervention showed reexpansion of the cerebral hemispheres. Subarachnoid haemorrhages were markedly reduced. Conclusions: Collapse of the hemispheres can occur spontaneously in dogs with hydrocephalus internus. Removal of the haemorrhage can improve clinical signs.

TRPV4 mRNA is elevated in the caudate nucleus with NPH but not in Alzheimer’s disease

“…In our unbiased assortation of chromosome numbers in ten species, we found, as expected, that primates (orangutans) have chromosome numbers consistent with those of humans. However, dogs, a species commonly used for neurosurgical studies ( Dombrowski et al, 2006 ; Park et al, 2010 ; Gomes et al, 2020b ; a ; Hasegawa, 2020 ; Olszewska et al, 2020 ; Ito et al, 2021 ; Lee et al, 2021 ), have significantly more chromosomes (78), suggesting reconsiderations regarding the appropriateness of the canine model for certain genetic studies.…”

Surgical management of primary and idiopathic internal hydrocephalus in dogs and cats

“…In severe cases, the hemisphere of one side invaginates into the contralateral ventricle, which is fatal. Biventricular hydrocephalus and high grades of ventricular distension ( 42 ) are risk factors for the development of hemispheric collapse ( 10 ). Craniotomy and evacuation of the hemorrhage are life-saving procedures, can restore ventricular drainage, and can also effectively improve clinical signs ( 10 , 43 ).…”

Risk factors, treatment, and outcome in dogs and cats with subdural hematoma and hemispheric collapse after ventriculoperitoneal shunting of congenital internal hydrocephalus

“…[16][17][18][19][20] While risk factors for overshunting are well described and the benefit of gravitational valves and the efficacy of treatment options for hemispheric collapse were demonstrated in hydrocephalic humans, [21][22][23][24] such data are scarce in dogs and cats. 25 The aim of this study was therefore first, to document risk factors for overshunting causing subdural hemorrhage and hemispheric collapse, and second to assess the efficacy of a decompressive surgery in shunt overdrainage and collapse.…”

“…Several valve technologies such as membrane antisiphoning devices, flow regulated valve systems, and adjustable gravitational valves are available for humans to reduce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow across the valve and therefore, prevent a siphoning effect and overshunting 16‐20 . While risk factors for overshunting are well described and the benefit of gravitational valves and the efficacy of treatment options for hemispheric collapse were demonstrated in hydrocephalic humans, 21‐24 such data are scarce in dogs and cats 25 . The aim of this study was therefore first, to document risk factors for overshunting causing subdural hemorrhage and hemispheric collapse, and second to assess the efficacy of a decompressive surgery in shunt overdrainage and collapse.…”