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Brain Tumors in Dogs
What are Brain Tumors?
A brain tumor is a serious condition caused by improper cell division in tissues associated with the brain. These cells are unable to receive the “stop growing” signal and continue to divide, forming masses that can replace or damage healthy brain tissue. Brain damage can cause abnormal behavior, weakness or lethargy, and difficulty moving. Only a veterinarian can properly identify and diagnose a brain tumor, so make an appointment as soon as possible if your pet exhibits unusual behavior or tremors.
A brain tumor is a malignant growth associated with one or more of the structures of the brain, classified by the type of cells in the tumor, the behavior, and any secondary changes seen in or around the tumor. Brain tumors may arise either from the neural tissue itself, or metastasize (spread) from associated muscle, bone or blood.Brain Tumors Average Cost
From 21 quotes ranging from $5,000 - $25,000
Average Cost
$12,000
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Symptoms of Brain Tumors in Dogs
- Tremors
- Abnormal Behavior
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Vision loss or impairment
- Bleeding in the brain
- Tissue necrosis
- Abnormal hair loss/growth
Causes of Brain Tumors in Dogs
- Exposure to carcinogens, either acutely or over one’s lifetime
- Genetic predisposition
Diagnosis of Brain Tumors in Dogs
Brain tumors vary widely in the type of malignant growth, their location, size and rate of growth. The symptoms of a brain tumor will be determined by two factors: the part of the brain the tumor is damaging, and any other structures nearby. For example, it is not uncommon for bone tumors deep inside the nasal cavity to spread to the brain, causing persistent sneezing and bloody noses, or for brain tumors beneath the eye socket to press on the optic nerve and cause blindness or double vision. Thus, any abnormal behavior or unusual symptom such as bleeding from the nose should be reported promptly to a veterinarian, as this may be an early clue to a hidden illness.
There are many steps a veterinarian can take to successfully diagnose a brain tumor, beginning with a simple head x-ray. This procedure can easily be done in most clinics and thanks to digital imaging, can provide results immediately. However, plain-film x-rays do not always provide enough detail to properly identify or even visualize the tumor, especially if it is of a similar density to brain tissue. Therefore, if the x-ray turns up an inconclusive or negative result, a CT scan with contrast is usually the next choice. A CT scan is essentially a series of pictures taken via a rotating x-ray camera that are re-assembled into a 3D image. To better distinguish the potential tumor from the surrounding tissue, a special dye will be injected using an IV. This dye often causes a sensation of tingling warmth, but is not painful and will not harm your pet.
Another diagnostic tool that may be used is the MRI. MRI technology using magnetic pulses to image the interior of the body, and is better for diagnosing tumors composed exclusively of soft tissue. These machines can be somewhat loud or intimidating, but owners may be allowed to accompany and comfort their pet.
Finally, when the tumor is confirmed and located, one or both of the following may be necessary. First, if the tumor is accessible to surgeons, a biopsy (small sample of tissue) will be taken for testing to identify the tumor. If the tumor is not accessible, or additional information is required, blood or cerebrospinal fluid may be taken for testing, as immunological markers may be present that will identify the tumor.
Treatment of Brain Tumors in Dogs
The treatment for a brain tumor will vary widely based on the nature and location of the tumor, the size and how early it was diagnosed. In general, an accessible tumor will be removed surgically, along with radiation or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy with Cobalt-60 has shown significant increases in survival rates compared to surgery alone.
An inaccessible tumor cannot be treated surgically, and so chemotherapy/radiation may be employed. Steroids to reduce swelling and anticonvulsants to stop seizures may also be used to minimize symptoms and provide the dog with some comfort, but this is usually to ease the passing of the animal, and is not a cure.
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Recovery of Brain Tumors in Dogs
In general, outlook for dogs with brain tumors is guarded or poor. Well-defined, single brain tumors that have not grown to excessive size and may be accessed surgically have the best chance of a successful outcome. Tumors in groups or inaccessible to surgeons have the poorest prognosis. Radiation therapy can be used to extend a dog’s life over a few additional months, but is not usually a cure. Palliative treatment to make a dog more comfortable is often given, including steroids, anticonvulsants, and painkillers.
Brain Tumors Average Cost
From 21 quotes ranging from $5,000 - $25,000
Average Cost
$12,000
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Brain Tumors Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Labrador Retriever
Galileo
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Balance
Tilting Head
Greetings: My 10 year old labrador went to emergency for tilting head and loss in balance. My dog was prescribed 2 capsule of Cephalexin 500 Mg every 8 hours and 1 tablet of Prednisone every 24 hours. She has been taking the medication for 4 days with no improvement of tilting head and loss of balance. I'm still walking my dog 2 - 3 miles per day with no problem. She still has a healthy appetite and drinks plenty of water. She still appears to have healthy poops and pees. I have been referred to a surgeon by the emergency vet. Because I have no pet insurance. I am considering having tests done at Vet Playas in Mexico to save money. My online research is dog X-ray, CT scan, and MRI. I will also have EKG and blood work done. What X-Rays should I have done? Head and chest? I assume the CT and MRI should be of the head, yes? How many X-Rays, CT scan and MRI should I have done for a nuerologist or surgent? Thank you for your time. It is greatly appreciated. Best, Bobbi & Galileo
Feb. 16, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Without examining her or knowing more about her situation, it would be irresponsible of me to recommend a certain number of x-rays. When you have the consultation with the neurologist, they will be able to localize the affected area more specifically, and order the appropriate tests. Most likely the testing will focus on the head and neck, but there may be other concern that warrant a search in other areas. An MRI, x-rays and lab work should provide a lot of information as to what might be going on with Galileo, and your neurologist will be able to make recommendations based on those findings. I hope that you get good news from the testing for him.
Feb. 16, 2018
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German shepherd x
Barny
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Seizure Then Urinating At Night
Wedding At Night
Weeing At Night
Hi my dog is barny who is 12 has a suspected brain tumour has he had a fit 2 weeks ago vet done his bloods and all were clear vet said to wait and see if he has anymore fits what's worrying me now is he's peeing in the house nearly every night in 2 or 3 rooms lots of it . I'm wondering if it's related to the tumour as he is a very good dog and house trained . He doesn't go at all in the day when we are at work he also poos bug that can be anytime I'm thinking if this is incontinance what doesn't he go in the day when we are at work could it be his age or related to brain tumour any advice you could give us we would appreciate thanks
Feb. 11, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. I'm sorry that Barny is having this happen to him. Unfortunately, change in behavior is one of the things that can happen with a brain tumor, and dogs might forget that they are house trained. Since you recently had lab work done and his kidney function was normal and there wasn't any signs of diabetes, it is most likely related to the tumor. It may help to be aware that he has this problem now, and restrict his access to the house to a spot where it is easier to clean up. I hope that he is able to stay comfortable for a while longer.
Feb. 11, 2018
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Brain Tumors Average Cost
From 21 quotes ranging from $5,000 - $25,000
Average Cost
$12,000
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
