Hydrocephalus may be an acquired or congenital condition. Clinical signs often reflect the level of brain involvement. In young dogs, the presence of a dome-shaped head and/or persistent fontanel are suggestive of hydrocephalus. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is often used for definitive treatment of hydrocephalus.

No abstract

Acute, unilateral transverse sinus occlusion during craniectomy can be used to increased surgical exposure to the caudal fossa of the brain without increased risk of increasing ICP.

Two puppies, each with fractures of the seventh lumbar (L7) vertebra, had their vertebral canals aligned surgically with the aid of a Senn retractor. The retractor was used to provide leverage during vertebral manipulations. Surgical fixation was achieved using Steinmann pins and polymethylmethacrylate. Both puppies were improved immediately after surgery and were clinically normal six months after surgery.

Longitudinal division of the corpus callosum was performed in six normal beagles to determine surgical morbidity. The corpus callosum was divided sagittally on the midline and the effect on neurological function was determined. Five of six dogs were clinically normal within 14 days or less after surgery. One dog had persistent but improving clinical signs consistent with a forebrain disturbance at 30 days after surgery. Overall, minimal morbidity and no mortality was associated with this surgical procedure. Further study is indicated to determine the efficacy of this surgical treatment for seizure control in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.