Brain Tumors in Dogs: Causes, Signs, and Treatment

If you suspect your dog has a brain tumor, or if you’ve recently received a diagnosis from your vet, I know this can be heartbreaking. Sickness of any kind can be devastating, and cancer especially is a major concern for all pet parents.

It is only natural for you to be anxious and full of questions during this time. You will want to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available for your pup. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need about brain tumors in dogs.

We love animals, and want the best for them, just like you do! At Zumalka, we have worked with thousands of pet parents to help them deal with their pet’s health concerns, and we want to use our decades of experience to help you too!

Let’s take a look at what you need to know about brain tumors in dogs, and I hope you find this article helpful in dealing with your pup’s diagnosis.

Feel free to check out our complete guide to dog cancer to learn more about cancers affecting dogs.

What are Brain Tumors in Dogs?

Brain tumors in dogs can affect multiple areas of the brain, like the meninges (tissues surrounding the brain), the brain stem (responsible for walking, chewing, etc), the choroid plexus (responsible for creating spinal fluid), or other areas.

The most common brain tumors diagnosed in dogs are meningiomas (affecting the surrounding tissue), and gliomas (affecting deep in the brain tissue itself). These cancers make up approximately 85% of all brain tumors in dogs. 

The good news is that not all brain tumors are cancerous, or malignant. In fact, approximately 50% of meningiomas in dogs are benign, meaning that they do not spread to other areas of the body!

What Causes Brain Tumors in Dogs?

While any breed can get brain tumors, large breed dogs such as Golden Retrievers and Boxers tend to be diagnosed more often than other breeds, as well as dogs that are older than 5 years old.

Brain tumors in dogs can be either primary or secondary. Primary means the tumor started in the brain, and secondary means that the cancer started somewhere else, and a tumor has spread to the brain.

Signs of Brain Tumor in Dogs

Depending on the area of the brain the tumor is affecting, you might notice different symptoms and signs of brain tumors in dogs. For example, they might have seizures, problems balancing, or a change in their behaviour. 

Here are some signs of brain tumors in dogs to watch out for:

• Trouble walking or staying balanced
• Loss of vision, bumping into items or doors
• Head tilt
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Constant pacing

There are certain types of cancers that tend to spread to the brain, so if your dog has been diagnosed with a different type of cancer, and you notice any of the above symptoms, get him checked out!

Brain Tumor in Dogs: Life Expectancy

Sadly, for dogs that are diagnosed with aggressive, malignant brain tumors, the life expectancy isn’t very good, with most dogs only living for a few months depending on the severity and location of the tumor.

The brain is a difficult place to treat, so there aren’t many effective traditional treatment options available - surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are used, but aren’t able to cure this cancer. Because of this, many pet parents are interested in holistic treatment for brain tumor in dogs. 

Can Brain Tumors in Dogs Be Treated Naturally?

Choosing treatment options for your beloved pup is not easy, especially with brain tumors where options can be limited. Many pet parents are interested in a holistic treatment for brain tumor in dogs. You likely have lots of information to carefully consider!

Our team of professionals here at Zumalka are committed to offering the best for your pet’s health needs, and we have designed an all-natural cancer product to help in your pet in his battle with cancer!

PIPTOPET can be used for both short and long term, and you can also use it in addition with other treatment options too! It has been designed with a medicinal mushroom to boost the immune system with its anti-tumor properties, which can be good before, during or after the presence of cancer cells in the body!

We are always ready to give you any advice needed or help you decide on treatment options. Please feel free to reach out to us through a call, chat, or email! We also have a Free Consultation form you can fill out to get more help.

If you enjoyed this article, or have a pet diagnosed with a brain tumor, leave a comment and get in touch! We’d love it if you shared this article on social media so other pet parents can find out more too!