Couple Pick Up Their Dream Puppy—Then Get Devastating Diagnosis

A couple from the United Kingdom were over the moon about getting their dream puppy, a long-haired miniature dachshund they named Murphy. Then one day, he woke up in pain, and things took an unexpected turn.

In a viral TikTok video shared in January under the username @miloandmurphyweens, the poster explains that they picked up little Murphy in April 2024, and he was a happy, healthy boy who was living his best life, bonding with his brother right away. Then, two months later, everything changed.

“He woke up in June a completely different pup. He was in so much pain and I had a gut feeling something serious was wrong. We took him to the vets who referred us to a specialist. And we found out he had a hydrocephalus [a build-up of fluid], and would need to have brain surgery to save his life. We were absolutely heartbroken seeing him like this.”

At only 5 months old, Murphy went on to get surgery, which was successful with no complications. He had a shunt inserted in his brain which goes through his body, keeping him alive.

“[He’s] still the happiest boy! It’s been almost seven months since he had his surgery and this is him now. We’re so grateful and lucky he’s still here with us. Our little warrior,” the caption continues.

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, which can be due to either overproduction or improper draining. It can be congenital, especially in toy and brachycephalic breeds, or acquired.

The latter can occur at any age, and can develop as a result of a brain tumor, infection, inflammation, or trauma.

What Are the Symptoms of Hydrocephalus in Dogs?

Dr. Liza Cahn, veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, told Newsweek that this is a complex condition with lots of individual variations.

“Dogs who are only mildly affected or asymptomatic may live normal lives, while others will require life-long medication or surgery, or even die because of this condition,” she said.

Symptoms may include a domed or rounded head, open fontanelle (soft spot), setting sun sign (eyes pointed down or outwards), failure to thrive, difficulty house-training or learning basic commands, and neurological signs such as lethargy, head tilt, abnormal gait, seizures, head pressing, and blindness.

“Along with veterinary treatment, these dogs will need additional care at home because of their special needs,” Cahn said.

In puppies born with congenital hydrocephafulus, symptoms will show between week eight and 12.

How Is Hydrocephalus Treated?

According to Dr. Nell Ostermeier, a veterinarian at OnePack Plan by PetPartners, the type of treatment your pup needs is determined by the underlying cause.

He told Newsweek: “Treatments will depend on the severity of the disease and whether there is a brain tumor or infection versus a congenital issue. Medication can be administered and if necessary, a neurosurgeon may be able to place a shunt to help alleviate pressure.”

Does Hydrocephalus Affect a Dog’s Life Expectancy?

Hydrocephalus can sometimes be fatal. While some dogs with mild congenital cases can live a completely normal life without intervention, those with acquired cases may need more extensive treatment.

A dog’s life expectancy will depend on the underlying cause and the duration, and severity of the disease.

The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received more than 326,600 views and 48,000 likes on the platform.

One user, Sones, said: “I almost cried when I saw my doxie after her disc surgery. I can’t imagine this! What a good boy he is.”

Ava X Ebony=BFF wrote: “This reminds me of my dog was 16 and had something really bad but could not have surgery [because] she was too old.”

Kayla added: “My male kitty at just 5 months old had to have reconstructive surgery from a bad uti [urinary tract infection]. It was the scariest thing to go through, had to almost put him down. He is now 7 thriving and living his best life.”

Newsweek has reached out to @miloandmurphyweens for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.

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