Sarpekidou E. DVM, PhD student, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Aggelou V. DVM, MSc, PhD, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Patsikas M. DVM, MD, DipECVDI, Professor of Veterinary Radiology, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Pavlidou K. DVM, PhD, Post Doc Researcher, Companion Animal Clinic, Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Kazakos G. DVM, PhD, Associate Professor, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
Various drug combinations are suggested for animals with congenital hydrocephalus but with no success. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage, achieved by shunt placement has positive results according to veterinary literature, but complications are reported. The purpose of this report is to present a case of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in a cat with congenital hydrocephalus.
Clinical case
A 6.5-month-old, shorthair European cat, was referred to Companion Animal Clinic with ataxia, tetraparesis that progressed through the last 4.5 months and aggressive behavior. On clinical and neurological examination, skull distension, exophthalmos, blindness and locomotion disorders were observed. Radiographs confirmed skull distension and the computed tomography showed ventricle dilation, compatible with hydrocephalus. In the absence of underlying disease, a diagnosis of congenital hydrocephalus was made.
Results
Shunt placement, with a low-pressure valve was performed, fixed in the cat’s left side. 5 days postoperatively, mobility improvement was noticed that continued for the next 10 days. During that time the cat regained walking ability and his vision returned. At the time of writing, 11 months postoperatively, the cat remains free of neurological signs with no signs of deterioration.
Conclusions
Despite the small volume of the brain in young cats, ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement contributes to successful drainage of the excess cerebrospinal fluid and remission of symptoms.
References
- Biel M, Kramer M, Forterre F, Jurina K, Lautersack O, Failing K, Schmidt MJ, Outcome of ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation for treatment of congenital internal hydrocephalus in dogs and cats: 36 cases (2001-2009) Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242(7), pp. 948–958.
- Dewey W, Curtis and da Cost CR (2016) Chapter 7 : Encephalopathies Practical Guide to Canine and Feline Neurology, 3rd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Ames, pp. 141-236.
