What are the signs of hydrocephalus in a 3-week-old puppy worsening?

Question

My puppy isn’t really eating fully on his own like his litter mates and lost a lot of weight due to it, i took him to the vet and the vet said it could possibly be hydrocephalus. What signs are there that hydrocephalus is present in a 3 week old puppy ? Is there signs they are getting worse ? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 23 days old

Jeffrey Milner · Accepted Answer

Hydrocephalus is a (rare) condition that we typically associated with toy and small breed dogs. While dogs with this condition may not eat, and ultimately not thrive, as well as littermates I would not jump to this conclusion without other clinical signs to boot. These would include seizures and/or behavioral changes. Also, these dogs will typically have an enlargement and shape-change to the head / skull. You can look up pictures on google images to see precisely I am talking about. The disease is correctable surgically in many cases, but is extremely expensive. It is also a highly specialized procedure that only a small number of veterinarians have been trained to perform. There are medical therapies as well, usually aimed at reducing fluid build up as well as the resultant clinical signs associated with the increased pressure on the brain. However, medical therapy is typically temporary and unsuccessful. Lastly and of significant importance, should Snoopy end up having this condition as well as the corrective surgery, he should never be bred since this condition is thought to be hereditary in nature. Hope this makes sense.

What are the signs of hydrocephalus in a 3-week-old puppy worsening?

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