Long-term evaluation of a new ventriculoperitoneal shunt valve system in a dog.
OBJECTIVE
To report on the use of a new ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) valve system utilized in a dog with hydrocephalus and to describe the clinical course over 20 months after implantation.


METHODS
A 3-month-old female Lhasa Apso dog was presented with lateral strabismus, domed calvarium, and visual deficits. A lateral skull radiograph revealed a persistent fontanelle. Transfontanellar ultrasonographic examination and computed tomographic examination showed excessive accumulation of fluid within the ventricles. The owner had observed symptoms as early as 1 month after birth, suggesting congenital hydrocephalus. A VPS with a new valve system that inhibits cerebrospinal fluid overdrainage and obstruction of the catheter was implanted. The dog showed clinical improvement 48 hours after the procedure. Twenty days after shunt implantation, another computed tomography scan was performed that showed reduction in ventricle size. The evaluation of VPS patency was carried out 20 months after surgery and demonstrated that the system was working properly without obstruction.


CONCLUSIONS
There are reports in the literature describing the use of several devices to perform VPS in dogs. A new device not previously described in the veterinary literature was used in this case report, and according to the manufacturer's description, this device inhibits proteinaceous build-up, which is usually responsible for subsequent catheter obstructions.
Filgueiras
Richard da Rocha
Rda R
Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Asa Norte, DF 70 879-130, Brazil. richardfilgueiras@gmail.com
Martins
Christine de Souza
Cde S
de Almeida
Ricardo Miyasaka
RM
Silva
Rosana Marques
RM
da Rocha
Martha de Souza Teixeira
Mde S
Firmino
Fernanda de Paula
Fde P
Maguilnik
Samara
S
Medeiros
Luíza Quintão
LQ
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*