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My Chihuahua puppy has water on the brain. What are treatment options?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
I have an apple head Chihuahua he has water on his brain he is about 4 months old he weighs 2 pounds what can I do to cure it
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 21st, 2018
Treatment is directed towards reducing CSF production and inflammation by using corticosteroids such as cortisone or prednisone in the early or acutee phases of the condition. If your dog shows more severe signs such as seizures, anti-seizure medications will be needed and diuretics may be indicated.
Some teaching hospitals or specialty hospitals can perform surgery to place a tube in the pace that collects fluid in the brain to the abdomen (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) with high success rates if placed early, however there are considerable risks involved which should be discussed on a case by case base.
Congenital hydrocephalus cannot be cured and its course can often be life-threatening. Treatments may afford your dog a decent quality of life.
Puppies with congenital hydrocephalus may do well following shunt placement if severe brain damage has not occurred.
You should discuss your puppy, its quality of life, medication and prognosis with your vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Jeffrey Milner
Veterinarian
Published on July 18th, 2018
Hydrocephalus is a (rare) condition that we typically associated with toy and small breed dogs. While dogs with this condition may not eat, and ultimately not thrive, as well as littermates I would not jump to this conclusion without other clinical signs to boot. These would include seizures and/or behavioral changes. Also, these dogs will typically have an enlargement and shape-change to the head / skull. You can look up pictures on google images to see precisely I am talking about. The disease is correctable surgically in many cases, but is extremely expensive. It is also a highly specialized procedure that only a small number of veterinarians have been trained to perform. There are medical therapies as well, usually aimed at reducing fluid build up as well as the resultant clinical signs associated with the increased pressure on the brain. However, medical therapy is typically temporary and unsuccessful. Lastly and of significant importance, should Snoopy end up having this condition as well as the corrective surgery, he should never be bred since this condition is thought to be hereditary in nature. Hope this makes sense.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful