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Yorkie Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus, a neurological disease common among toy breeds like Yorkies. The disease causes excess fluid within the brain, and is seen in both younger and older dogs. Some fluid in the brain is normal, and in fact protects the brain. But with hydrocephalus, the excess fluid can cause the skull to bulge and lead to brain damage. The condition can be caused by infection, congenital defects, trauma or tumor. Puppies can be born with this condition and tend to look a little shocky in the eyes if you know what you are looking for and is also common with open fontanels on the skull.
Symptoms:
May vary according to the cause, but can include crying, difficulty walking, problems with sight and hearing, abnormal movements of the eyes, tilting or pressing the head, hyperexcitability or dullness, circling, coma and seizures.
Diagnosis:
The veterinarian may want to perform an ultrasound, CT scan, blood work, radiographs and electroencephalogram. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease, but could include either medication or surgery. If the condition is untreated it usually results in death, and some animals may have symptoms too severe to be controlled by medical intervention. Other animals, however, respond well to medication or surgery and can remain stable for many years.
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