Brain Tumors in Small Animals

Brain tumors can be divided into primary or secondary tumors, depending on their origin. Primary tumors started developing within the brain tissues, and secondary tumors originated from other structures such as bone or muscle, or may have spread from a different primary organ.

Primary brain tumors tend to appear in older animals, with meningiomas and gliomas being the most common neoplasms in dogs and cats. The occurrence of seizures, as well as signs of acute or chronic progressive brain disease in dogs older than 5 years of age, may indicate the presence of an intracranial neoplasia.

Although a biopsy is the only way to achieve a definitive diagnosis, the use of CT and MRI (preferred imaging method) enables tumor detection and allow us to establish a presumptive diagnosis. The diagnostic approach should include abdominal ultrasound and thoracic radiography, in order to investigate if other tumors are present and to help staging the condition.

Longer survival periods are achieved through surgery, radiotherapy or a combination of these two. Other treatment options include administering corticosteroids and anticonvulsants for palliative treatment and chemotherapy.

In Borrego, Juan & del Portillo, Isabel & Luján, Alejandro. (2017). Tumores cerebrales en perros y gatos. Argos. 38-43.