Brain tumors are a very common disease in dogs. This causes pain, behavioral problems, rapid growth and, unfortunately, the larger the brain, the more visible the symptoms. When in doubt, act quickly. Let’s learn together the causes, symptoms and treatment of this pathology.
What are brain tumors in dogs?
The brain can be created from the brain of any living being. This is when the cells grow abnormally and form clumps.
There are two types of cancer:
Brain tumors: These tumors start in the brain and grow in the heart or brain. The three most common types in dogs are meningiomas, gliomas, and choroid plexus tumors.
Secondary brain tumors: These tumors are formed by a group of cells from another part of the body and travel to the brain where they bleed. It is caused by lymphoma, angiosarcoma, carcinoma or pituitary tumor.
Meningioma
As its name suggests, a meningioma is a tumor that develops in the meninges, the membrane that surrounds the animal’s brain. This phenomenon occurs in older dogs, especially those with long noses. This type of tumor is usually benign and located outside the brain, making it easier to remove, but it is nonetheless a type of brain cancer.
Glioma
Glioma is caused by the growth of glial cells in the brain, which play the role of protecting neurons and the central nervous system. This type of tumor usually occurs in dogs with small noses and is unfortunately unsightly. This is the second type of cancer because surgery is difficult.
Choroid plexus tumor
These vessels appear at the level of the choroid plexus, which secretes cerebrospinal fluid, which covers the brain and spinal cord. This tumor affects older dogs and is also the most common type of tumor.
What did he do? It is true that we know exactly where tumors form in dogs. But experts agree that some external factors, or at least common sense, may be the cause.
- food
- certain medications
- injury or damage
Exposure to drugs or equipment
Viral or autoimmune disease. Certain dog breeds (like Labradors or Golden Retrievers) are more likely to develop tumors than other dog breeds. Tumors usually appear in dogs between the ages of 8 and 12, but some can be affected as young as 5 years old. What are the symptoms of dog cancer? Dogs with brain tumors have specific symptoms. However, recognizing the disease when it occurs is not easy. Indeed, as in humans, it is common in other pathologies and depends on the nature and location of the tumor. However, if you are suffering from brain cancer, you need to act quickly to relieve your dog’s suffering before it progresses to cancer.
Veterinarian’s diagnosis
Your doctor starts with a physical exam. Evaluate your dog’s behavior and reactions to check for symptoms. The diagnosis is made only by MRI or CT scan, which can determine the location and size of the tumor. If the tumor appears externally, for example in the second brain, an ultrasound should be performed. A blood test may be taken to check for inflammation of the tumor and the presence of cerebrospinal fluid.
How to treat brain tumors in dogs? Unfortunately, dogs rarely recover from brain cancer. Once the test is completed, your skin will grow. On the other hand, if carried out on time, veterinarians can provide treatment that can reduce tumor growth, improve the animal’s quality of life and lead to its recovery.
For benign tumors, only chemotherapy is used to reduce pain and symptoms for the rest of your life. For inoperable tumors, surgery is the solution. This helps remove the tumor and make it disappear. For inoperable tumors, your veterinarian may recommend radiation therapy to temporarily shrink the tumor while prolonging your dog’s life.
Unfortunately, the average lifespan of a dog with dementia is 1 to 18 months. Surgery or radiation therapy can extend life by 8 to 30 months.
Surgery
Brain surgery to remove it. However, it can be peculiar, especially when it is outside the brain and does not enter it.
Radiation therapy is often recommended after surgery to remove the tumor.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy helps reduce the size of tumors when they are inactive. The combination reduces pain in dogs and prolongs their lives.
Is it possible to prevent brain diseases in dogs?
There is no miracle cure for mental illness in dogs. Unfortunately, risk is everywhere. Some species are more affected than others, but all animals can be affected. Better yet, make sure your dog eats a healthy diet. Feed him healthy foods, control his weight, and exercise daily. Avoid contact with hazardous or toxic materials and equipment. Do not go to unclean or dangerous places and do not leave the building unattended. Don’t ignore minor pain or injury.
If you have any complaints or notice changes in behavior, contact your veterinarian immediately to check for signs of abnormality.