Signs

• Tumors in the forebrain can cause behavioral abnormalities, changes in appetite, nervousness, decreased awareness and seizures. The first signs of a tumor in the brainstem are loss of balance and weakness on one side of the body. Brainstem tumors can cause a variety of motor function symptoms and can be fatal if the tumor affects the respiratory or cardiovascular systems. Signs of a cerebellar tumor may include clumsy gait, head tremors, swaying trunk and constant head tilt.
  
  

Diagnosis

• A dog over 5 years of age that is showing neurological signs should be examined for a possible brain tumor. Most brain tumors are in the soft tissue of the brain and cannot be seen on a radiograph. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) exam or computed tomographic (TC) scan can be used to locate a brain tumor. An MRI or TC scan should follow three other diagnostic tests--a neurological examination, blood work and thoracic radiograph--to check for a spread of cancer to the lungs. Once the tumor is located, a biopsy will be required.
  
  

Treatment

• Several options for treating brain tumors in dogs include surgical removal and radiation therapy. The goal of surgical removal is to cure the disease, which rarely happens. The natural design of the brain and skull leaves very little room for a tumor, so even a partial removal may reduce severe symptoms by reducing pressure on the brain. Meningiomas are located on the brain's surface and have the best prognosis for removal.
  
  Radiation therapy slows the growth rate of brain tumors. Radiation is administered in small doses because the brain cannot withstand large doses. Radiation treatment will usually follow surgical removal of as much of the mass as possible.
  
  

Prognosis

• Most brain tumors cannot be cured but treatment may improve the quality of life for as long as possible. Radiation has a prolonged lifespan of about one year. Tumors of the forebrain have a better prognosis than tumors of the brainstem and cerebellum. Researchers from the College of Veterinary Medicine claim that most pet owners choose to opt out of treatment because of risk vs. cost. For this reason, there is little information in regard to prognosis and treatment options for type-specific brain tumors.
  
  

Research

• A dog's brain is protected by a barrier called a blood brain barrier (BBB). The BBB blocks chemotherapeutic agents, restricting their effectiveness, so they are rarely used for brain tumors in dogs. The North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine has been conducting ongoing studies of some drugs that can penetrate the BBB and may be effective in treating specific types of brain tumors. The drugs it claims to be using are lomustine, carmustine and temozolomide.