Dog Brain Tumor or Just Old Age? How to Tell the Difference

As dogs age, they can develop behavior, mobility, and overall health changes. Some of these are normal signs of aging, but others can be signs of more serious underlying conditions, including symptoms of a brain tumor. Being able to tell the difference can allow pet owners to get their dogs to the vet promptly and improve their dogs' quality of life.

Dog Brain Tumor Symptoms

Dog brain tumors are abnormal masses that may arise within the brain or its coverings. A dog brain tumor may be either primary, or arising from the inside of the brain, or secondary, or by metastasis from some part of the body elsewhere. Primary brain tumors develop within the brain and the covering structures. With serious health consequences by interrupting the normal functioning, there are several dog brain tumor symptoms. Some typical dog brain tumors are:

Gliomas – Tumors arising from glial cells that support brain function.

Meningiomas – Tumors developing in the meninges (protective brain covering); these are the most common primary brain tumors in dogs.

Choroid Plexus Papillomas – Rare tumors developing in the brain's ventricles.

Hemangiosarcomas – Aggressive malignant tumors that often spread to the brain from other organs.

Adenocarcinomas – Malignant tumors that may metastasize to the brain.

What Causes Brain Tumors in Dogs?

The causes or symptoms of dog brain tumors remain unknown most of the time. However, several generic and environmental factors play a massive role in spreading brain tumors in dogs. Certain breeds, including Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Poodles, are at higher risk. Hence, there exists a genetic predisposition for such dog breeds.

On the other hand, environmental risks such as chemicals, radiation, and infections might also lead to brain tumors in dogs. Another factor is the age of dogs, as animals over five years of age will have a greater likelihood of acquiring brain tumors. Awareness of risk factors by dog owners can also help in earlier detection and prevention.

Neurological Dog Brain Tumor Symptoms

Many neurological signs and physical dog brain tumor symptoms are based on their size, location, and growth. The location of the cancer has a significant impact on the type and severity of tumors. Abnormal neurological signs diagnosed through a physical examination can indicate a possible brain tumor. Below are some significant symptoms of dog brain tumor:

• Seizures
• Intention Tremors
• Blindness or Vision Problems
• Circling
• Head Pressing
• Disorientation
• Paralysis or Paresis (partial paralysis)
• Mentation Changes (altered mental state)
• Abnormal Behavior or Personality Changes
• Loss of Balance and Gait Abnormalities
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Hearing Loss

Forebrain tumors can significantly affect vision, sometimes causing sudden blindness in one or both eyes. Unlike brainstem tumors, forebrain tumors do not typically manifest with apparent weakness of one side of the body.

Cognitive Dysfunction (CDS) & Brain Tumors: What's the Similarity?

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), also referred to as dog dementia, shares some similarities in presentation with brain tumors. These may include:

• Disorientation
• Restlessness or Pacing
• Changes in Sleep Patterns
• Depression
• Appetite Changes
• Vision or Hearing Loss

Brain tumors are more frequent in aged dogs. That is why one has to closely observe any change in the neurology. Meningiomas originate in the meninges but are classified as primary brain tumors because they affect brain function. 

But CDS signs would progress slowly, whereas those of brain tumors would begin suddenly or worsen rapidly with worsening. Certain breeds predispose to brain tumors, and early intervention is essential.

Dog Brain Tumor Diagnostic Methods

Veterinarians use several diagnostic tools to differentiate between brain tumors in dogs and age-related conditions, including:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) 
• CT Scans
• Blood Tests
• Neurological Examination
• Biopsy
• X-rays to check for metastatic tumors originating in other parts of the body.

Brainstem tumors may interfere with the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and cause serious health effects. Reaching tumors in the brain can be challenging and may require cutting through healthy brain tissue. This approach can also lead to complications.

Radiation Therapy Treatment Options

If a brain tumor is diagnosed, the treatment plan will depend on the tumor’s type, size, and location, as well as the overall health of the dog. Common treatments for brain tumors include:

• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Corticosteroids to shrink brain swelling
• Anticonvulsants such as Phenobarbital or Levetiracetam for seizures

Pain Relief and Palliative Care

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are widely used to decrease brain tumors as well as to stop them from growing. The veterinarian and vet specialists are responsible for choosing the treatment method of brain tumors based on tumor location, type, and the degree of side effects of each treatment. 

When to Take Your Dog to the Veterinarian?

Your pet must see a veterinarian if it shows acute or chronic neurological symptoms. Severe neurological symptoms may indicate brain cancer. Seeing a veterinarian is necessary to diagnose underlying complications. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve your dog's quality of life. Moreover, canine brain tumors are widespread if not treated earlier.

Life Expectancy and Prognosis for a Dog with Brain Tumor

The life expectancy and prognosis for a dog with a brain tumor varies based on several factors including:

• The type & location of the tumor
• Diagnosis time
• Chosen treatment
• Dog’s age
• Dog’s health

A dog with a primary brain tumor has a more favourable prognosis as compared to a dog with a secondary brain tumor. A pet owner can extend the life of his affected dog with early treatments, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. 

A dog with a brain tumor can survive up to 2 to 6 months without treatment. However, treatment can extend the life range to 6 to 24 months.

Conclusion

It is not easy to differentiate between normal aging and symptoms of brain tumors in older dogs. This makes diagnosing brain tumors in older dogs particularly challenging. Some risks and factors are directly related to the development of brain tumors like breed and environmental conditions. The dolichocephalic and brachycephalic breeds are more prone to some tumors like meningioma and glioma. 

Pet owners can ensure the best treatment by watching for changes in behavior and neurological signs and receiving immediate veterinary care. Always consult a veterinary neurologist or DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) for proper evaluation and diagnosis, to differentiate primary from secondary brain tumors.

FAQs

How long can a dog live with a brain tumor?

The life expectancy of a dog with a brain tumor depends on the tumor type, size, location, and treatment plan. Without treatment, a dog can survive up to 2-6 months, while treatments can extend the life expectancy to 6-24 months.

Is a brain tumor painful for dogs?

Yes, dogs with brain tumors can experience pain, especially as the cancer grows and causes pressure on the brain. Symptoms like headaches, disorientation, and seizures can contribute to discomfort. Pain management such as medication and intensive care is essential for improving quality of life.

What are the signs of a final-stage dog brain tumor?

Coordination, persistent seizures, blindness, extreme lethargy, incontinence, and difficulty eating or drinking are the signs of the brain tumor’s final stage. In the final stages, dogs may exhibit severe neurological brain tumor symptoms such as loss of appetite. Sedative care is often recommended at this stage.

Do brain tumors in dogs cause seizures?

Yes, fits or seizures are the first dog brain tumor symptoms. However, several signs and symptoms besides seizures indicate brain tumors in dogs.