My puppy has a disease commanly known as....?

Question

big head puppy syndrome i was wondering if any one can tell me how it works how long it lasts if there are any more symptoms like swellings anywhere else on the body had dogs all my life never come across it before any help gratefully received

Answer 1

The dog can be placed on steroids but will not live a long and happy life.  There is no 100% cure for this condition.  Take the dog back to the breeder, they need to be notified so that they can remove both parents from their breeding program.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?...

Answer 2

I have to agree with person above, so many ppl come and want us to diagnosis what is wrong with there pets. I mean call your vet, that is what ya pay them for.

Answer 3

No such thing.Who gave you that name for a diagnosis?I looked in the Merck Veterinary manual and don't find it.I expect it is actually hydrocephalus given the treatment.Info follows:

Hydrocephalus

Race Foster, DVM

Marty Smith, DVM

Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

  

  Hydrocephalus can occur as a congenital condition as well as a result of trauma or a brain tumor, for instance. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excessive fluid is found within and around the brain. The body may form too much fluid or, as occurs in most cases, the fluid that is produced cannot drain from the central nervous system as it normally does. Within the brain are fluid-filled spaces called ventricles. In a hydrocephalic dog, the ventricles fill with too much fluid. They become swollen, and the increased pressure damages and/or prevents development of brain tissue. Toy breeds such as Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians and Chihuahuas are commonly affected. Hydrocephalus occurs in other breeds as well.

What are the symptoms?

Typically, hydrocephalus is first diagnosed when the dog is young, usually less than four months of age. The head takes on a dome-shaped appearance and the skull bones at the top of the head fail to close. A soft spot may be noticed on the top of the head. This is termed an 'open fontanel.' The affected dog may be blind, have seizures or have an altered gait. Hydrocephalic dogs are commonly mentally dull and have a limited ability to learn. Different levels of severity exist.

What are the risks?

The hydrocephalic dog typically has a very limited life span. Severity differs, but few dogs with this condition live to be over two years of age.

What is the management?

Most cases go untreated. Veterinary neurologists can be consulted and occasionally the excess fluid can be drained. Sometimes lifelong treatment with prednisone and Lasix is tried. With surgery or medical treatment, however, the dog will rarely live a normal life. Treatment is often unsuccessful and expensive. Hydrocephalus is a congenital disease and dogs with this condition should be removed from any breeding program.

Answer 4

Do you mean Hydrocephalus?  If that's the case.. its a life-long problem.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/hydrocephal...

Symptoms depend on the extent of damage done to the brain.

Answer 5

http://www.jjspuppylove.com/webpages/Hyd...

The link above provides a simple, easy to understand of what you're dealing with -hydrocephalus.

I am going to hope you have already taken this pup in for a vet exam and just forgot the diagnosis and not just picked up the dog from a breeder (questionable at that) who told you it's "big head puppy syndrome".

If you haven't gone to the vet you need to schedule an appointment now...

and read the info at the link so you can have a better understanding of the condition.

***patriciajean43 is absolutely right -why did you give her a thumbs down?  Because you didn't like the answer?!

Heck, even Google can't bring up anything for "big head puppy syndrome".

And did you even take the time to check the Merck manual?  

No.

Sounds like you should have done some further research and health testing prior to breeding.

Answer 6

I have never heard of this.  However, if the head is actually swelling you need to take your dog to the vet IMMEDIATELY.

Answer 7

Is it what's also known as Water Puppy Syndrom?

http://publications.royalcanin.com/renvo...

Answer 8

Is it hydrocephalus?  I have never heard it called 'big Head puppy syndrome', but can't think for the life of me what else you could be referring to.

Could you confirm the actual diagnosis for us, and I'm sure someone will be able to point you in the direction of more info.

Answer 9

Ask a bloody Vet, i get really pissed off with people asking questions on here as if we would really know, No offense ,i love dogs BUT JEEZ!

Answer 10

lmao thats so funny no such thing as far as i am aware of.

Answer 11

You should call your vet and ask these questions.  You have paid for a service and deserve to have your questions answered.  No one here has heard of this syndrome, which means that perhaps it isn't commonly known at all.