Treatment of congenital hydrocephalus in a foal using a ventriculoperitoneal shunt

The objective of this report is to describe the presentation, diagnostic imaging findings, management, and complications of surgical shunt placement in a foal with congenital hydrocephalus. A 3-day-old Quarter Horse colt was diagnosed with hydrocephalus on the basis of clinical signs and computed tomographic scan. A surgical shunt was placed from the right cerebral ventricle to the peritoneum. The foal demonstrated significant improvement in clinical signs until shunt complications occurred. To the authors' knowledge, the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to manage equine hydrocephalus has not been described. This case report provides a foundation for understanding the techniques and possible complications of surgical shunt placement in hydrocephalic foals.