Can cats live with hydrocephalus?
Living and Management If your cat has a mild congenital form of hydrocephalus, there is a good prognosis and it may require only occasional medical treatment to keep it under control.
Can kittens have hydrocephalus?
When a puppy or kitten has hydrocephalus, symptoms usually become evident by 8 to 12 weeks of age. The skull looks especially round and there is an open fontanelle (skull soft spot) on the top of the head.
Is it normal for Persian cats to have watery eyes?
Eye Care. Because of their short noses and muzzles, Persians have more problems with eye debris than other breeds. The comparatively large eye openings placed too close to the nasal tear ducts create an area that is prone to tearing.
What is the life expectancy of a female Persian cat?
The average lifespan of a Persian cat is 13.5 years.
How do you treat hydrocephalus in cats?
Treatment of both types of hydrocephalus can be divided into medical and surgical therapies. Medical treatments are aimed at reducing production of CSF and can include administration of prednisone, diuretics (acetazolamide, furosemide), and omeprazole.
How do I know if my kitten has hydrocephalus?
Here are some of the signs you should watch for if you suspect your cat is suffering from hydrocephalus.
- Domed, irregularly shaped head, indicating fluid retention.
- Seizures.
- Behavioral problems.
- Irregular sleeping habits.
- Slow growth.
- High stepping.
- Difficulty eating, drinking or swallowing.
- Coordination issues.
How often should I bathe my Persian cat?
The National Cat Groomers of America recommends cats get a bath and blown dry every 4-6 weeks to keep their coats from getting matted or pelted.
What are the causes of hydrocephalus?
Possible causes of acquired hydrocephalus include:
- bleeding inside the brain – for example, if blood leaks over the surface of the brain (subarachnoid haemorrhage)
- blood clots in the brain (venous thrombosis)
- meningitis – an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- brain tumours.
- head injury.
What do you call a cat that has hydrocephalus?
A few of the felines we’ve profiled have a condition called hydrocephalus, also known as “water on the brain.” These cats are a real inspiration, and I’d encourage you to read the stories of Olaf, Super Hero, Zeke, and Bug A Boo to see what it’s like to live with a “hydro kitty.” Bug A Boo is one of the hydro kitties we’ve profiled.
What causes hydrocephalus in a Siamese cat?
However, the condition can be caused by certain viruses (feline infectious peritonitis and the panleukopenia virus), parasite migration, bacterial and fungal infections, cysts, and tumors. Three cat breeds are known to be more at risk for developing hydrocephalus: the Siamese, the Persian, and the Manx.
Can a kitten with hydrocephalus live a normal life?
Kittens born with hydrocephalus can respond very quickly to appropriate treatment and live quite normal lives. “Hydro kitties” will need to be handled carefully to avoid head trauma. Regular vet care is especially important for these cats, because they need to be monitored for medications and possible progressive brain damage.
What should I do if my cat has hydrocephalus?
Anti-seizure medication may be given if needed. If the hydrocephalus is caused by a tumor or malformation, surgery may be done to remove it, or a shunt may be placed that moves the extra CSF out of the skull and into the abdominal cavity, where it will be absorbed by the body. 7. What’s the prognosis for a cat with hydrocephalus?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj-of3lXjbo