Application of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement through fontanelle in a hydrocephalus dog: a case report

A two and a half year old Chihuahua intact male dog weighing 1.7 kg was referred to our Animal Medical Centre presenting with ataxia, seizure, nystagmus, tremor, and tilt. Additionally, it was not able to stand and sit. Physical examination, palpation, neurology examination, complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry test, radiographs (X-ray), ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were all performed. Open fontanelle, domeshaped calvarium, a thinning of bone structure, and asymmetrically enlarged lateral ventricles on the right were found on diagnostic imaging. Accordingly, the dog was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. A VP shunt placement was performed as surgical treatment. The ventricular catheter was placed into the right lateral ventricle through the fontanelle insertion site and the distal catheter was placed in the abdomen using the percutaneous technique. After surgery, anorexia, seizure, tremor, and nystagmus disappeared. Also, the dog could stand and walk without support; however, gait was slow and not completely normal and the tilt remained.