A tumor is an abnormal cell growth anywhere in the body. Tumors can be benign or malignant, which are called neoplasms and are synonymous with cancer.
In this article on our site we will discuss the brain tumor in dogs, explaining its symptoms and possible treatment. Fortunately, it is a rare cancer, since, as a location as delicate as the brain leads us to believe, its prognosis is reserved even with treatment.
Benign tumors and malignant tumors in dogs
Before explaining the characteristics of brain tumors in dogs, it is important that we have a clear difference between benign and malignant tumors The former grow slowly and do not invade or destroy surrounding areas and thus cause metastases. Its surgical removal is a good treatment. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, do invade other parts of the body and grow in an unlimited way, causing metastasis which is the name given to the establishment of new tumors through from a primary one by moving its cells through the lymphatic or circulatory system.
Characteristics of brain tumor in dogs
As we have said, brain tumors are fortunately not common in dogs. When they occur, they usually affect middle-aged or older dogs, from five years of age. Those with shorter snouts and more convex heads, such as the boxer or bulldog, seem to be more likely to suffer from it, but breeds with elongated snouts such as the German shepherd also suffer from it. In addition, secondary malignant tumors can develop in the brain, that is, from cancer metastasis in other parts of the body such as the mammary glands or the lungs.
The most common primary brain tumors are meningiomas and gliomas The causes that justify their appearance are multiple and include dietary, environmental factors, genetic, viral, etc. Let's see below how to know if a dog has a brain tumor, how it is diagnosed and what the treatment consists of.
Brain Tumor Symptoms in Dogs
In these cases we cannot speak of clear symptoms, since this will depend on the location of the tumor and its growth. In general, among the symptoms of brain tumor in dogs, the following would stand out:
- General or localized seizures.
- Altered mental status.
- Changes in behavior.
- Walking uncoordinated.
- Head bowed.
- Nystagmus, which is the rhythmic and uncontrollable movement of the eyes.
- Weakness.
- Paralysis in the extremities.
All these symptoms are progressive and worsen until leaving the dog in a comatose state, so it is important to go to the vet at the first sign of alarm.
How to detect a brain tumor in dogs?
If we observe any of the symptoms described we should go to our veterinarian, as we have already mentioned. As the brain tumor is rare and its symptoms coincide with other disorders, such as vestibular syndrome, intoxications, infectious diseases or even brain abscesses, it is possible that the diagnosis takes time to arrive, before other diseases are sought and even treatment is started. against them.
Brain tumors in dogs are detected through a complete neurological exam and specific tests such as electroencephalogram, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The definitive diagnosis will be by pathological anatomy. Blood tests, urine tests, and x-rays of the chest and abdomen will help discover tumors in other parts of the body that may have metastasized to the brain.
Brain tumor treatment in dogs
If the tumor is benign, surgery, as we have said, is the treatment of choice but, precisely due to its location in the brain, an extremely delicate organ, intervention is not always going to be possible and, if it is done, complications may arise, in addition to tumor recurrence. In this regard, it should be noted that this type of operation should be left in the hands of experienced and specialized veterinary surgeons.
When surgery is not possible or is not considered necessary, the cancer may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. We must bear in mind that chemotherapy has side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc., and that most drugs fail to act on the brain. The radiotherapy requires a specialized veterinary center. The problem is that none of these techniques has been shown to be effective against brain tumors. Therefore, the prognosis is guarded, so if you are wondering what the prognosis is for a dog with a brain tumor, the truth is that we cannot give a clear answer.
On the other hand, the symptoms can be treated with corticosteroids and anticonvulsants, which may provide improvement at first, but not can cure the tumor and it will continue its progression. Immunotherapy and gene therapy are still in development.
