Clinical Approach and Successful Intervention of Congenital Hydrocephalus in Neonatal Calf

Congenital hydrocephalus is a potentially fatal neurological anomaly in calves characterized by excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid that leads to cranial deformities and neurological deficits. This report describes the successful surgical management of a day-old crossbred female calf presenting with a dome-shaped cranial vault, poor suckling reflex and uncoordinated gait. Diagnosis of congenital hydrocephalus was confirmed by clinical examination. Surgical intervention involved gradual aspiration of cerebrospinal fluid using a syringe, followed by excision of the enlarged area at the level of a horizontal mattress suture placed at the base of the swelling. Post-operative care included antibiotics, corticosteroids and fluid therapy. Progressive neurological improvement was noted within 72 h, and by 12 days post-surgery, the calf exhibited normal growth, behaviour and no signs of neurological dysfunction. This report represents a successful outcome following surgical management of congenital hydrocephalus in a neonatal calf.