Long‐term evaluation of a new ventriculoperitoneal shunt valve system in a dog

Abstract Objective – To report on the use of a new ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) valve system utilized in a dog withhydrocephalus and to describe the clinical course over 20 months after implantation.Case Summary – A 3-month-old female Lhasa Apso dog was presented with lateral strabismus, domedcalvarium, and visual deficits. A lateral skull radiograph revealed a persistent fontanelle. Transfontanellarultrasonographic examination and computed tomographic examination showed excessive accumulation offluid within the ventricles. The owner had observed symptoms as early as 1 month after birth, suggestingcongenital hydrocephalus. AVPS with a new valve system that inhibits cerebrospinal fluid overdrainage andobstruction 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 showedreduction in ventricle size. The evaluation of VPS patency was carried out 20 months after surgery anddemonstrated that the system was working properly without obstruction.New or Unique Information Provided – There are reports in the literature describing the use of several devicesto perform VPS in dogs. A new device not previously described in the veterinary literature was used in this casereport, and according to the manufacturer’s description, this device inhibits proteinaceous build-up, which isusually responsible for subsequent catheter obstructions.(J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2009; 19(6): 623–628) doi: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2009.00484.x