Dog Meningiomas

The most common type of malignant brain tumors in dogs is meningioma. The meninges make up the lining of the dog’s skull and vertebral column. The term Dog Brain Tumor is not particularly accurate, as these tumors can also develop outside the skull. These particular tumors do not metastasize to other areas of the dog’s body.

Signs and Symptoms

Dog Seizures are the most common symptom and are quite noticeable in dogs. Length, frequency and severity will vary. Often you may not be aware of them until your dog is examined by a vet for other, unrelated, reasons.

There will be abnormal behavior, especially regarding the gait of your dog. These symptoms often go unnoticed for a prolonged period of time.

Your dog’s appetite can change, they may be lethargic and not want to play and their face can become asymmetrical. These and other symptoms are the possible result of swelling and the accumulation of fluid in the area of the tumor.

Diagnosis

After a complete history and physical examination by your vet, there will be a neurological exam. This will include when the symptoms were first noticed by you, and your vet can begin to determine the area of your dog’s brain that is involved.
Your dogs general health will also be checked. There will be lab tests done including blood work, x-rays, bone marrow and tests for Dog Kidney Disease and Dog Liver Disease.

If your veterinarian does not do some of the more advanced diagnostic tools in their office you may need the services of a veterinary oncologist, internist and/or neurologist.

Advanced studies of your dog’s brain may be performed. This will include CT and MRI scans. Your dog will be sedated for these procedures. They must remain immobile for up to one hour.

Treatment Options

Depending on the location, symptoms and type of tumor as well as the health of your dog, treatment will proceed. Your vet will custom fit the treatment for your individual dog. Be sure to inquire as to what treatments are available and consider the alternatives. Your veterinarian should be able to tell you what treatments are most successful for your dogs type of tumor.

Surgery, Dog Cancer Chemotherapy and Dog Radiation Therapy are all used in the treatment of meningiomas. They can be used in combination or alone. Prior to any of the treatment, your dog will be given steroids to relieve possible edema following treatment or that which already exists. Seizure control medicine may also be given.

Surgery consists of opening the skull and removing the tumor.
It is always important for a dog owner to understand the risks involved in any treatment that may be ordered by your veterinarian. There are times when the treatment is more dangerous than the disease itself.

At Home Care

Your dog will need to be closely observed for seizures and any reaction to the medication given. The Dog Pain associated with the treatment will most often affect your dog’s appetite. It is important to keep their nutritional status in control by offering them Dog Cancer Dietary Supplements. If they do not eat or drink an adequate amount, there is the possibility that their immune system will be compromised. This can create additional problems. Pain medication is also important. Both the tumor and treatment can cause pain. Your vet will order pain medication and it should be given as directed. Always follow the guidelines recommended for Dog Palliative Cancer Care.

Suggested Products

Nu-Pet Vitamin & Antioxidant Wafers
Cancer Support Kit – Dogs
Tripsy for Dog Kidney Disease
Milk Thistle for Dog Liver Disease

Additional Dog Cancer Pages

Dog Cancer | Dog Skin Cancer | Dog Bladder Cancer | Dog Pancreatic Cancer | Dog Bone Cancer | Dog Cancer Prevention | Dog Cancer Diagnosis | Dog Lymphoma Cancer | Dog Gastric Cancer | Dog Mast Cell Tumors