Diagnóstico tomográfico de hidrocefalia em cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) : relato de caso

Abstract

Hydrocephalus is ventricular dilatation due to accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (LCR), being classified as congenital or acquired, and can occur in any species, including wild animals such as Cerdocyon thous. This article presents the diagnosis through computed tomography of a case of congenital hydrocephalus in a bush dog attended the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso. In the radiographic examination it was found cranial bulging with thinning of the cortical, homogeneous appearance of the encephalon and persistence of the open fontanelle. Ultrasound examination revealed severe accumulation of echogenic fluid. Computed tomography showed bilateral ventriculomegaly, with fluid density between 10-19HU and extensive loss of nervous tissue, in addition to persistent fontanelles. The postmortem examination concluded that this was a case of severe hydrocephalus. The diagnostic imaging methods used were excellent for the diagnosis of this case of hydrocephalus, and the computerized tomography was the exam of choice because it allowed to obtain detailed anatomical information and the brain composition of the animal.