Dog Brain Tumor Symptoms and Treatment Options Explained

These tumors can disrupt a dog’s neurological functions, leading to various symptoms that may initially seem like normal aging. Understanding what a brain tumor is and how it impacts a dog’s health is crucial for early detection and effective management.

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What Is a Brain Tumor?

A brain tumor in dogs is an abnormal mass of cells that develops either within the brain itself or nearby in a place that affects the brain. These tumors are categorized as either primary or secondary. 

Primary brain tumors originate within the brain and include types like meningiomas, which form in the brain’s protective layers, or gliomas, arising from the brain’s supportive tissue. Secondary brain tumors, on the other hand, originate elsewhere in the body—such as in the lungs or lymph nodes—and spread to the brain through metastasis.²

Brain tumors in dogs can also be classified as either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are noncancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body; however, they can still cause severe health issues by placing pressure on other parts of the brain. Malignant tumors are cancerous with the capability to spread to other parts of the body or within the brain and tend to be more aggressive, often growing quickly and leading to more severe symptoms.² 

Whether benign or malignant, both types of brain tumors are serious, as they disrupt the brain’s normal function and impact the dog’s overall health. In older dogs especially, the development of a brain tumor may present with gradual changes, making early signs sometimes easy to confuse with the natural aging process.

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Signs and Symptoms of Brain Tumors in Dogs 

Identifying that a brain tumor may be a threat to your furry family member is not as easy as it can be in humans; there’s no way to ask your pup if they’ve got a headache, feel confused, or notice that they aren’t remembering things. The signs of a brain tumor are therefore difficult to spot in the early stages, which is why it is important to keep an eye on your dog’s health consistently and notice when changes arise.¹ 

Some common signs of brain tumors in dogs include:^3,4

• Seizuressome text
  • Common in older dogs with no seizure history
  • Can range from mild tremors to full-body convulsions
• Behavioral Changessome text
  • Increased aggression, confusion, or anxiety
  • Restlessness or sudden personality changes
• Balance and Coordination Issuessome text
  • Stumbling, circling, or difficulty walking
  • Head tilt or unsteady movements
• Vision Problemssome text
  • Loss of vision or difficulty seeing objects
  • Changes in eye movement, or a noticeable head tilt
• Other Subtle Signssome text
  • Lethargy and decreased interest in activities
  • Loss of appetite and general low energy

Some of these symptoms can be mistaken for typical aging-related issues, making brain tumors challenging to detect early in older dogs. If your dog shows any combination of these signs, especially if they’re sudden or unexplained, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian for evaluation.

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How Are Brain Tumors Diagnosed in Dogs

Diagnosing a brain tumor in dogs requires a combination of clinical observation and advanced imaging techniques. Veterinarians typically start with a thorough physical and neurological exam to assess signs of neurological dysfunction, such as altered reflexes, gait abnormalities, or visual deficits. If a brain tumor is suspected, they may proceed with advanced imaging to confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the tumor’s location, size, and type.³

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are the most commonly used imaging tools to detect brain tumors in dogs because X-rays cannot show a brain tumor. MRI, in particular, is highly effective in identifying brain tumors due to its ability to capture detailed images of the brain’s soft tissues. CT scans, though less detailed, can still be useful, especially if MRI is not available.^2,4

In some cases, a biopsy of the tumor may be recommended to confirm its type and whether it is benign or malignant. This involves obtaining a small sample of tumor tissue for microscopic analysis. Although a biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis, it can be an invasive procedure and is usually reserved for cases where the information will impact the treatment plan. With these diagnostic tools, veterinarians can offer a more accurate prognosis and develop effective treatment options for dogs with brain tumors.²

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How Are Brain Tumors Treated in Dogs?

Treating brain tumors in dogs depends on various factors, including whether the tumor is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), as well as the tumor’s size, location, and the dog’s overall health. 

Common treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or palliative care. Treatment options also depend on many additional factors, and your vet can help you better understand what those factors are and help you discover the best option for your pet.¹ 

Surgery

For accessible and well-defined tumors, surgery is often the preferred treatment method, especially for benign tumors like meningiomas. Surgical removal of brain tumors can be very difficult and often not possible depending on the location of the tumor in the brain. Brain surgery can only be done by veterinary neurologists or surgeons.

Surgical removal aims to eliminate the tumor and relieve pressure on the brain. In many cases of benign tumors, surgery can be highly effective, potentially resulting in a full or near-full recovery. However, malignant tumors, which may be more aggressive or infiltrative, can be challenging to remove completely. While surgery can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, it may not offer a cure for cancerous tumors, which often require additional treatments.³

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is commonly used when surgery is not viable, particularly if the tumor is in a location that’s difficult to reach or if it is cancerous. Radiation is the most common treatment for brain tumors in pets.

Radiation involves targeting high-energy rays at the tumor to slow or stop its growth. It is often recommended for malignant brain tumors and can also help control growth in benign tumors if surgery is not possible. Radiation is administered over several sessions and can extend the dog’s quality of life, although it may not be curative for aggressive cancers.^2,3

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is less commonly used for brain tumors in dogs due to the blood-brain barrier, which makes it difficult for drugs to reach the brain effectively. However, it may be an option for certain malignant tumors or if the tumor has spread from another part of the body. When used, chemotherapy can help manage tumor growth and alleviate symptoms but is generally more effective in cases of systemic cancers than in treating localized brain tumors.³

Palliative Care

For some dogs, especially those with advanced cancerous brain tumors, palliative care may be the best option. This approach focuses on comfort and quality of life, using medications like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling in the brain. Anti-seizure medications may also be prescribed to control seizures and minimize distress. Palliative care is particularly common in cases where the tumor is inoperable or when the dog’s age or health make more aggressive treatments inadvisable.

You can read more about how palliative care works for dogs with cancer in our post here.

Benign vs. Malignant Brain Tumor Treatment

The approach to treatment may differ between benign and malignant brain tumors. Benign tumors, which do not spread, may be curable through surgery alone, with radiation as a secondary option if surgery isn’t feasible. Malignant tumors, however, are often treated with a combination of therapies, as they tend to grow rapidly and may invade surrounding tissues. For malignant tumors, radiation and chemotherapy may be used to extend life and manage symptoms, although complete eradication is often challenging.

Ultimately, the treatment plan is tailored to the individual dog’s needs, aiming to improve quality of life and, where possible, extend survival.

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Survival Rates for dogs with brain tumors

Survival rates for dogs with brain tumors vary depending on factors like tumor type, location, and the treatment approach. 

Without treatment, survival time is often limited to a few months, especially for malignant tumors. For dogs that undergo surgery or radiation therapy, survival can range from six months to two years or more, with benign tumors often having better outcomes due to slower growth. Palliative care can also help maintain quality of life but typically does not significantly extend survival. Each case is unique, so a tailored treatment plan can greatly influence outcomes.

Learn more about canine cancers on ImpriMed’s blog.