Hydrocephalus and hypertrichosis in Golden Retriever dogs

Abstract

Congenital hydrocephalus has been reported in most species of domestic animals and is one of the most common congenital malformations of the canine central nervous system⁽¹⁾. Small, toy and brachycephalic breeds are at higher risk of hydrocephalus than larger breeds. Newborn and immature hydrocephalic puppies typically show an enlarged, domeshaped cranium, open fontanelles, visual and auditory impairment, poor growth rate and sometimes an uncoordinated gait. The pathogenesis of hydrocephalus is unclear but inheritance as an autosomal recessive trait has been identified in some breeds. Suspected inherited polymicrogyria and hydrocephalus has been identified in young Standard Poodles and a similar condition seen in a Golden Retriever dog in the USA⁽¹⁾. During the past 2 years, congenital and suspected inherited (as an autosomal recessive trait) hydrocephalus has been diagnosed in Golden Retriever puppies in New Zealand.