Hydranencephaly
Also known as: Hydranenzephalie · Congenital Hydranencephaly · Cerebral Cortical Aplasia · Angeborene Hydranenzephalie
Overview
What it is
Hydranencephaly is a severe brain malformation affecting the central nervous system where the cerebral hemispheres, which are the main parts of the brain responsible for thought and movement, fail to develop. Instead of normal brain tissue, the space inside the skull is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. This is a congenital condition, meaning the puppy is born with the defect.
How it presents
Symptoms typically appear shortly after birth or within the first few weeks of life. Owners will notice severe neurological issues, including blindness, seizures, extreme lethargy, and a lack of coordination.
Treatment
This condition is incurable, and care is focused on diagnostic confirmation and compassionate end-of-life decisions. An MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing this condition, with overall costs ranging from 250 to 1200 EUR, which typically covers diagnostics and humane euthanasia to prevent suffering.
How it's tested
Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) des Gehirns(MRT)
Primary testClinical examDie Diagnose wird durch eine Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) des Schädels gestellt, welche die Fehlbildung oder das Fehlen des Balkens (Corpus callosum) bildlich darstellt.
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Hydranencephaly?
Hydranencephaly is a severe brain malformation affecting the central nervous system where the cerebral hemispheres, which are the main parts of the brain responsible for thought and movement, fail to develop. Instead of normal brain tissue, the space inside the skull is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. This is a congenital condition, meaning the puppy is born with the defect.
How is Hydranencephaly tested?
Tests currently in our database: Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) des Gehirns.
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.