Hydrocephalus in chihuahuas, or "water on the brain", is a very serious condition. Many toy breeds, including the chihuahua are prone to Hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus in chihuahuas can be fatal, but not not always.
Hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid in the brain cavity. There are many genetic and non genetic factors that can cause it. Hydrocephalus is usually diagnosed when the chihuahua is a puppy. Chihuahuas with severe hydrocephalus usually die stillborn, or if born live will die shortly. But chihuahuas with mild hydrocephalus can live normal lives, into adulthood with help of medication.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus in chihuahuas:
- Unusually large head
- Patchy skull, not solid bone (large or multiple moleras)
- Lethargic
- Not growing at normal rate
- East-West Eyes (eyeballs looking outwards, opposite of cross-eyed)
- Seizures
- Difficulty walking, running, learning
Unfortunately, there is no cure for hydrocephalus in chihuahuas, and the prognosis is usually grim. Usually, euthanasia is recommended for chihuahuas with hydrocephalus. In some cases, surgery can be done to insert a shunt into the chihuahua's brain to relieve some of the pressure. But the surgery can be expensive. In other cases, chihuahuas with hydrocephalus are given the medications Prednisone and Lasix to manage the disease.
Hydrocephalus in chihuahuas can and should be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Please consult a veterinarian that is knowledgeable about chihuahuas. I say this because chihuahuas are often born with
moleras (soft spots) on their head, which is considered a trait of the breed, NOT A DEFECT. Some veterinarians that are not that familiar with chihuahuas mistake the
molera for hydrocephalus.
If your chihuahua is exhibiting symptoms of hydrocephalus, PLEASE see a chihuahua knowledgeable veterinarian as soon as possible!
UPDATE: 2/6/2011 - Please note that hydrocephalus in chihuahuas does not mean an automatic death sentence. Per one of our readers, she has a chihuahua with this ailment and the chihuahua is happy and healthy. It should be taken on a case by case basis. Thanks Catlin!
Hi, I am a veterinary student and owner of a 1 year old chihuahua with severe hydrocephalus. I saw how you have information stating that they are in pain and should be put to sleep. I think that each dog needs to be assessed individually. My chihuahua Little Johnny looks like he has a very severe case, but he is fully litter box trained (not 1 accident in a year), runs, plays with other chihuahuas, and performs multiple tricks for food every day! I know he could take a turn for the worse at any time, but right now he has such a strong will to live and he is soo happy! I just don't think it is right to classify all dogs with hydrocephalus into this category and it should be up to the veterinarian assessing the severity. Also, nobody can say they are in pain...My dog does not act like he is in any pain at all. Actually he had an episode a few months ago where the fluid drained out his nose and he was miserable until he went back to being a "bubble head." I have videos on youtube keywords little johnny chihuahua hydrocephalus and you can clearly tell he acts like a normal happy pup.
Sorry for the lengthy response, I just want to offer hope to others with dogs in this condition, and not give them all a death sentence.