Dog Brain Tumors

What Are Brain Tumors In Dogs?

A dog brain tumor is a cell mass that is growing inside the brain. The term is commonly used to describe a cancerous tumor located in the brain and its lining (ex: meningioma, glioma, adenocarcinoma, etc.) or one that has metastasized from other parts of the body (ex: hemangiosarcoma, mammary carcinoma, melanoma).

Certain dog breeds have a higher incidence of brain tumors, including Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, Scottish Terriers, Boston Terriers, Pugs, English Bulldogs and Old English Sheepdogs. Most dogs that develop brain tumors are over 5 years of age.

Symptoms of Dog Brain Tumors & Brain Cancer In Dogs

One of the most common clinical signs of a brain tumor is the onset of seizures in a dog over 5 years of age. Most of the dog brain tumor symptoms are caused by the tumor growing and increasing pressure on the healthy brain tissue. Common symptoms include:

• Seizures
• Changes in attitude and/or behavior, such as depression or loss of learned behavior
• Pacing or circling
• Head tilt and/or tremors
• Difficulty walking and/or loss of balance (ataxia)
• Decreased awareness
• Loss of appetite and vomiting
• Involuntary eye flicking (nystagmus)
• Abnormal eye position (strabismus)

Is A Brain Tumor In Dogs Painful?

Cancer may be painful depending on where it is located and how much it has metastasized. Dog brain tumors can create pressure on surrounding brain tissue and cause swelling and pain. Many dogs with brain tumors are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help reduce swelling and manage pain.

Common Treatment Protocols for Brain Tumors

While a brain tumor or mass may be seen on imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI, brain cancer is difficult to diagnose without further specialized diagnostic tests. If your dog has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, there are several treatment options that may be offered by your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist.

• Surgery - Surgery is often suggested if the brain tumor is small and localized. Surgical removal of brain tumors is very invasive and does not always remove the entire mass.
• Chemotherapy & Radiation - When we hear about cancer treatments, we generally think of chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy is not often used to treat localized brain tumors because it affects the pet's entire body. Radiation is used in cases where surgery has removed most of the cancer cells or in cases where surgery is not an option. Radiation can also damage healthy tissue and the recommended treatment course is up to 25 sessions under anesthesia.
• Stereotactic Radiation (SRS/SRT) - Stereotactic radiation (SRS/SRT) or CyberKnife Radiosurgery is a relatively new form of non-surgical treatment that uses precise beams of high-dose radiation to destroy tumor cells. The treatments can be done in about 3 visits versus 20+ visits for conventional radiation. It eliminates many of the unfavorable side effects, like burns, ulcers, inflammation or lethargy, and is often used for cancers that were once considered inoperable due to their location.

Most veterinary oncologists will suggest chemotherapy or radiation therapy for dog brain tumors along with treating any secondary conditions that have been caused by the brain tumor, such as seizures or edema. Vitamins and supplements can be used in conjunction with most veterinary treatments prescribed by your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist. Using natural anti-inflammatory and immune support supplements vitamins may help increase the quality and quantity of time you have with your pet.

By treating canine brain tumor symptoms with an integrative approach to cancer treatments, you can help improve your pet’s quality of life.

Below, you can see how our supplements can help support your pet navigating a brain tumor diagnosis:

• Dog Brain Booster is formulated to support dog brain health and provides important brain nutrients, such as phosphatidylserine and Acetyl-L-carnitine, that are important for brain function and muscle movement. Contains neuroprotective citicoline and glycerophosphocholine to support cellular membranes. Promotes overall brain function.
• Happy Paws Organic Hemp Extract for Dogs - Our veterinary-strength hemp extract oil can help reduce pain and inflammation and support a healthy immune system. Clinical research shows that the use of CBD oil for the treatment of seizures in dogs can help to reduce the frequency of seizures.
• OncoPet Cancer Vitamin is a proprietary blend of herbs and medicinal mushrooms that provide powerful immune support. The natural ingredients in OncoPet contain polyphenols, beta-glucans and antioxidants, like D-fraction and L-ergothioneine, that boost the immune system and help regulate your dog's inflammatory response.
• Immune Harmony - This is a premium-quality, patented blend of plant sterols and antioxidants which protect the body from free-radical damage, as does an essential fatty acid complex that assists in the bioavailability of these health-promoting nutrients.
• K9 CurcuMagic is a scientifically proven, natural anti-inflammatory pet supplement containing a patented combination of three curcuminoids acting as free-radical scavengers.
• Purrfect Pet CoQ10 is made with Kaneka Ubiquinol™ - the reduced, active antioxidant form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - the powerful natural antioxidant that facilitates enzyme activity and energy production.

Recommended Diet for Dogs With Brain Tumors

Another important part of a comprehensive canine brain cancer treatment is a proper diet.

Pets with cancer need a special diet that supports a healthy immune system and reduces inflammation. Many pet owners might not realize that many foods (even the highest-quality, grain-free, premium diets) are weakening the immune system.

Dry food, for example, is made with starchy carbohydrates that convert to sugar — which studies show helps cancer grow. It can be upsetting to realize that many pet foods contain ingredients that are worsening your pet's condition, but there is hope, as once the offending foods are eliminated, most pets show considerable improvement.

If you have questions about our supplements for brain tumors in dogs, please feel free to email us at [email protected]. We will be happy to provide you with additional information about our natural remedies for brain cancer, but please know that due to veterinary regulations, we cannot provide individualized consultative advice without a physical exam.