How long can a chihuahua live with hydrocephalus?

Answer 1

Hydrocephalus literally means water (its actually cerebrospinal fluid) on the head/brain, its fairly common in chihuahua's but you should take him to the vet to have him treated, the vet will probably put him on corticosteroids to treat it. Puppies with hydrocephalus is most cases die because pressure builds up on their brain. It is definately something that should be treated though, if it is not treated your puppy will either get brain damage or die. As for the lenghth of time he will have to live, I'd say it depends on the pup.

Answer 2

depends in the age and how severe it is. Many dogs w very mild hydrocephalus can live to be about 5-8 yrs old, but you have to watch out for seizures, as these dogs are much more prone to developing seizures when older. Many have to be put on lifelong diuretics.

If it is severe and the pressure inside the cranium (head cavity) is too high, a puppy may not live more than a few weeks, or survive w permanent brain damage.

Only your vet, who can personally examine the chi, can tell you how long he may be able to live.

Answer 3

We had a sweet chihuahua named Honeybunch that was born with hydrocephalus. Vets thought we should put her to sleep, said she wouln't live more than a few months. Hers was a very bad case. She lived almost 4 yrs. Her condition was controlled with meds and she had a happy life. In milder cases they can live longer.

Answer 4

Michigan Veterinary Specialists - Hydrocephalus try this

Answer 5

Some die very early, but some for many many years like a normal chihuahua. There are treatments, something like moving a little of the fluids from the head to its stomach or something of that sort. [Thats not the cure, but it helps]

Answer 6

their life span is usually not real long, maybe a couple years. you have to be very careful not to let them be bumped on the head, and sometimes they are subject to seizures. they often appear to have heads too large for their bodies.

Answer 7

hydro what??????