Which statement about hydrocephalus is true?

Which statement about hydrocephalus is true?

• A. It is caused by a bacterial infection.
• B. It is a congenital, untreatable condition.
• C. It occurs in all species equally.
• D. It can be reversed with medication.

Answer: (B)

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles, which raises pressure and can affect brain development and function. It can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later (acquired) due to obstruction, impaired absorption, or rarely overproduction of fluid. It’s not simply caused by a bacterial infection, though infections can contribute indirectly in some cases. It also doesn’t affect all species equally, and its prevalence and outcomes vary across species. Medically, reversing hydrocephalus with medication is not reliable; the mainstay of treatment is surgical, aiming to divert or drain the excess fluid. In wildlife rehab contexts, cases found at birth and with limited access to neurosurgical care may be effectively untreatable, which is why the statement emphasizing congenital origin and the potential for an untreatable course is used to reflect practical realities.

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles, which raises pressure and can affect brain development and function. It can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later (acquired) due to obstruction, impaired absorption, or rarely overproduction of fluid. It’s not simply caused by a bacterial infection, though infections can contribute indirectly in some cases. It also doesn’t affect all species equally, and its prevalence and outcomes vary across species. Medically, reversing hydrocephalus with medication is not reliable; the mainstay of treatment is surgical, aiming to divert or drain the excess fluid. In wildlife rehab contexts, cases found at birth and with limited access to neurosurgical care may be effectively untreatable, which is why the statement emphasizing congenital origin and the potential for an untreatable course is used to reflect practical realities.