Evaluation of risk factors for obstruction of the intraventricular catheter after ventriculoperitoneal shunting in dogs with congenital internal hydrocephalus

Obstruction of the ventricular catheter remains a clinically important complication after VPS implantation in dogs with internal hydrocephalus. No definitive risk factors could be identified in this study. The observed postoperative CSF changes appear to reflect inflammatory and surgical responses rather than being predictors of obstruction. Further investigations with larger case numbers and detailed immunological analyses are required to clarify the underlying mechanisms and to improve prevention strategies.