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Canine Brain Tumors

Canine brain tumors are as common as they are in people, and are the most common form of tumors found in dogs.

Canine Brain Tumors

A tumor is a growth of abnormal (cancerous) cells within a body tissue.

There are two forms of brain tumors. Primary brain tumors are developed from brain cells that have started to grow uncontrollably. Secondary (metastatic) brain tumors occur when cancer cells spread to the brain from a primary cancer in another part of the body.

The most common form of primary canine brain tumors is meningiomas, which are tumors that arise in the meninges which surround the brain and spinal cord.

Other commonly reported primary brain tumors in dogs include undifferentiated sarcomas, gliomas, pituitary tumors, and ventricular tumors (eg, choroid plexus papillomas, ependymomas).

Signs of Canine Brain Tumors

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Canine brain tumours can cause an array of signs and symptoms depending on which part of the brain is affected. However, seizures, which can be severe, are one of the most common symptoms associated with brain tumors in dogs.

Some other symptoms to watch for include:

  • An unsteady gait and difficulty in climbing stairs and walking on uneven ground.
  • Sudden and dramatic behavioral changes (e.g. a normally gentle dog may suddenly become aggressive; a normally quiet dog may bark incessantly).
  • Change in appetite - Refusal to eat or excessive eating.
  • Lethargy.
  • Loss of eyesight, hearing and sense of smell.
  • Getting lost in previously known places and not recognizing familiar faces.
  • Having "accidents" in the house even though the dog has been toilet trained.
  • Whining or whimpering (due to pain).
  • Scratching or shaking head or rubbing it against objects.

Also read this dog parent's first-hand description of the numerous telltale signs and symptoms of brain tumor in her dog.

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Causes of Canine Brain Tumors

There are no definitively identified causes of brain tumors in dogs. However, veterinarians suspect the following to be some possible causes:

  • Genetic syndromes.
  • Serious head injuries.
  • Exposure to radiation and electromagnetic field.
  • Pesticides.

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Risk Factors for Canine Brain Tumors

Age

Age appears to be a risk factor for brain tumors in dogs - 95% of canine mengiomas occur in dogs over 7 years old.

Breeds

Brachycephalic (short-nose) breeds such as Boxers, English Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers, seem to have the highest incidence of brain tumors among domestic animals. These breeds are especially prone to glial tumors, including unclassified gliomas.

It has also been found that Golden Retrievers have a high incidence of brain tumors as well, especially meningiomas.

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Diagnosis of Canine Brain Tumors

Diagnosis of brain tumors can include:

  • Observation of clinical signs.
  • CT-scan or MRI-scan.
  • Biopsy.
  • X-Rays of the chest and abdomen as well as abdominal ultrasound may also be necessary to confirm that the tumor has not spread to other parts of the body.

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Treatment for Canine Brain Tumors

Brain Tumors in Dogs

Conventional treatment for brain tumors in dogs include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Surgery

Understandably, not all brain tumors can be removed surgically. Tumors can only be removed if they are located in an area that can be reached safely. There are two considerations for this:

  1. The proximity of the tumor to the surface of the brain.
  2. The proximity of the tumor to critical areas of the brain.

Thus, tumors that are on the brain surface are more likely to be removed successfully by surgery. To reach a tumor deep within the brain, a large area of healthy brain tissue will have to be cut through, the effect of which may be devastating for the recovery of the dog patient.

Many dogs recover after surgery without much complication, although sometimes dog parents have reported some kind of "personality change" in their dogs after surgery.

Radiation

For a tumor that is deep seated and therefore poses significant surgical risks, radiation therapy can be used to slow down the growth rate of the tumor. Radiation can result in dramatic and rapid improvement of signs. Unfortunately, radiation rarely completely destroys the tumor and average remission times are 8 to 14 months before the tumor recurs. Also there may be some side-effects caused by radiation, such as occasional nausea, mouth ulcers, or ear infections.

Chemotherapy

As the brain is a very well-protected site, there are not too many drug choices that are effective in treating brain tumors. Recently, there is a drug called temozolomide that may be effective in treating gliomas.

For other types of tumor, drugs are usually used to reduce some of the signs and symptoms caused by the tumor. For example, a combination of anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroids) can be used to reduce the swelling and pressure caused by the tumor, and drugs can be administered to reduce the severity and frequency of seizures. By relieving some of the symptoms, the dog patient can feel better. However, understand that these drugs do not destroy the tumor itself and the therapy may only provide relief for a couple of months.

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Natural Remedies for Canine Brain Tumors

Although natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathic remedies, and natural supplements may not be able to destroy tumors, they are nonetheless effective in strengthening the immune system, making the body stronger to fight against diseases such as cancer.

Please visit our pages on Herbs for Cancer in Dogs and Dog Cancer Diet for more information.



Related Topics

Dog Cancer
Symptoms of Dog Cancer
Conventional Cancer Treatment for Dog Patients
Herbs for Cancer in Dogs
Dog Cancer Diet

References

S. Messonnier, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (New World Library, 2006).
A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999).

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