Hyprocephalus And The Molera

Hyprocephalus And The Molera

Hyprocephalus and the molera are not one in the same and should not be confused as so.  The molera, a soft spot on the top of your Chihuahua's head is similar to that of a new born human and is normal.  This trait is unique to the Chihuahua breed.  Hyprocephalus is the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and is not at all normal, nor is it curable.  It is also known as 'water on the brain.'

When fluid accumulates on the brain, it compresses the brain against the skull.  A Chihuahua puppy can be born with this disorder, or it can be caused by a brain infection.  

Check the molera, making certain it is no larger than the tip of your little finger and that there is no swelling, bulging or throbbing, although, dog's with a normal molera can still be hydrocephalic. Check carefully on the sides of the head for  bone as well. Make sure there is no more then one molera, as this is not normal.  Other signs include wide-set eyeballs, blindness, abnormal behavior, waling in circles, slowness (mental and physical), seizures, slow growing puppies and uncoordination.  These signs may come and go or become worse over time.  Concerns should only be answered by a licensed veterinarian.

Diagnosis is based on the signs in conjunction with techniques to image the brain. In dogs with a fontanel (molera), ultrasound can be performed by scanning through the fontanel to detect the excessive accumulation of fluid within the brain.  Unfortunately, there is no cure for hydrocephalus.  Mild cases can be treated with steroids to reduce pressure or with a shunt to divert fluid from the brain to the abdomen.  Severe cases in puppies usually cause death before 4 months of age.

For more information contact your Veterinarian.