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If your pet is suddenly unable to walk or get up, or if your pet is experiencing active seizures, cluster seizures, or status epilepticus, these are considered \u201cRED\u201d \u2013 or true emergencies \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Note that a single seizure that lasts less than five minutes with full recovery is considered a \u201cGREEN\u201d case on our Fast Track Triage system. This means emergency care isn\u2019t needed, but your pet should be evaluated by your family veterinarian within the next few days.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Hydrocephalus is a condition where there is spinal fluid build-up in the brain. In cats and dogs, our <\/span>Neurology Service<\/span><\/a> most commonly treats <\/span>obstructive hydrocephalus<\/span><\/b> \u2013 a type of hydrocephalus that is caused by an obstruction\/blockage of the normal flow of the spinal fluid and skull. This build-up of spinal fluid puts pressure on the normal brain tissue and causes it to atrophy or get smaller. Over time, this can lead to permanent loss of the brain tissue.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Since this is often a congenital condition \u2013 meaning the pet is born this way \u2013 it’s important for pet parents to recognize the signs and discuss any concerns with their pet\u2019s veterinary team.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pictured is a brain MRI of a normal dog brain (left) and a hydrocephalic dog brain (right).<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n To diagnose hydrocephalus, <\/span>your pet\u2019s veterinary team will <\/span>recommend<\/span> imaging.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pictured is a post-operative radiograph of a young dog with obstructive hydrocephalus that had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placed. The blue arrow points to the shunt in the brain and the red one to the abdomen shunt.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n There are both <\/span>surgical and medical <\/span>treatment options<\/span>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n If you observe signs of <\/span>obstructive hydrocephalus <\/span><\/b>in your pet, consult with your family veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary neurologist. Your pet\u2019s veterinary team will guide you through the diagnosis process, as well as selecting the best treatment option for your pet.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about our Neurology Service <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n More Reading:<\/em><\/p>\n\n
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Diagnosis<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Treatment<\/span> Options<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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