all about dogs

Brain tumor are often seen in old dogs and it can also happen to younger dogs as well. If your pet have symptoms such as seizure then it could be the signs that you pet might have develop tumor in their brain.

Symptoms and severe of brain tumor depend mainly on it size and location. The causes is still unknown and information such as genetic, immune, viral infection, environment, diet, stress or trauma are taken into consideration.

Primary and secondary brain tumor in dog

Primary are cancer that starts in the brain or spine (gliomas) and meningiomas which can occur at multiple locations in the area.

Secondary is metastasis from other part of the body.

Dog breed that are prone to brain tumor

Boxers, scottish or boston terriers, golden retrievers, doberman pinscher, scottish terriers and old english sheepdogs.

Dog brain tumor symptoms

staggering, loss of balance

falling over

unable to get up

suddenly weak

lethargy

decreased in activity

limb shaking

change in behaviour such as aggressive, docile, etc

loss of appetite

compulsion to eat food

disorientation

confusion

forget command

unable to recognize family member

unable to control bowel and urination

lose ability to see, smell or hear

seizures which can become worst as the tumor gets larger

pain, whine without apparent reason

breathing problems

facial paralysis

tremors

diagnosis of brain tumor in dog

History record and clinical examination

Blood test

Radiography (X-ray)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) Scans

Removal of cells or tissues for examination (Biopsy)

Analysis of ventricular system around and inside the brain (Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF))

Treatment of brain tumor in dog

The main objective is to eradicate or reduce the size which can be done by 3 methods as follow:

Surgery

Radiotherapy

Chemotherapy

Some dogs carried brain tumor for several years before they show signs or symptoms due to slow growth rate of the tumor itself.

Never diagnose the symptoms all by yourself because many of the symptoms mentioned above can be caused by other diseases. If you think that your dog have brain tumor then you must take your pet to check with your veterinarian immediately because the conditions may get worst when the size of tumor grow larger.