Two different indications of ventriculoperitoneal and cystoperitoneal shunting in six dogs.

In this study we described two different indications of ventriculo- and cystoperitoneal shunting (VPS, CPS) procedures in six dogs, including their clinical data and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. One dog had moderate and two dogs had severe congenital hydrocephalus, one was presented with intracranial pressure elevation due to meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) associated with congenital hydrocephalus, and two with quadrigeminal cysts (QC). VPS procedures were done in four and CPS in two dogs, using low-pressure valve systems. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 6 months and control MRI scans were also made. Significant improvement was detected in five cases during the short-term follow-up period (1 month) and in four cases in the medium-term follow-up (2-6 months). Major complications were found in two cases: one dog with acute-hypertensive hydrocephalus died one week after surgery, and in another case development of a chronic subdural haematoma and hygroma caused death 3 months after the surgery. Minor complications (e.g. subdural hygroma) were found in two cases. In cases of severe hydrocephalus or intracranial cysts, higher-pressure valve systems are recommended in order to prevent subdural hygroma. Transient postoperative clinical signs usually resolve within one week after the surgery.