Neurological Disorder in Puppies and Dogs

Let's talk about neurological disorder in puppies and dogs. You may not know it, but puppies and dogs get neurological disorders too. Some are even born with such disorders. Your adult dog may end up with it too.

So what is this neurological disorder? Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder in which fluid accumulates in a dogs brain or skull.

There are a few different types of this condition. One is caused by an obstruction resulting in accumulations of spinal fluid and may lead to intracranial pressure. The other is when parts of a dog's nervous system fail to develop and spinal fluid fills the space where those parts would have been. This can also cause intracranial pressure.

Both types of hydrocephalus can be acquired or your dog may have actually been born with the condition. This condition may also be caused by tumors in a dog's eye or the body's overproduction of spinal fluid. Other causes include prenatal infections, vitamin A deficiencies, brain hemorrhage in newborn puppies caused by the labor, and genetics.

Smaller breeds of dogs are the most likely to be born with hydrocephalus. Some of these breeds include Chihuahuas, bulldogs, Pomeranians, pugs, terriers, toy poodles, and Pekingese. Some beagles are often found to have hydrocephalus, without suffering from any symptoms.  

Dogs that are born with this condition, usually show signs at an early age, between the time they are only a few weeks old up to about a year old. However, hydrocephalus is also a condition that can occur to any dog at any age.

Some hydrocephalus can cause abscesses, tumors, and inflammatory diseases. Other symptoms of hydrocephalus  include seizures, blindness, crossed eyes, lethargy, abnormal bathroom accidents, and may dogs become very vocal when they have this condition. As previously mentioned, surprisingly some dogs have hydrocephalus without actually showing any symptoms.

If you notice the symptoms of hydrocephalus in your puppy or adult dog, immediately seek medical attention from a veterinarian.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.