Dogs Can Get Brain Cancer Too—Here’s What You Need to Know

Just like humans, dogs can develop different types of cancer—including brain tumors in dogs. This can be a scary thought for any pet owner, but the good news is that there are treatment options available to help manage the disease and improve your pup’s quality of life.

The most common types of brain tumors in dogs are meningiomas and gliomas, and older dogs (typically 5 years and up) are at higher risk. Both male and female dogs can be affected equally. Knowing the signs of brain tumor in dogs early can make a big difference in getting your pet the care they need.

Does My Dog Have a Brain Tumor? Recognizing the Symptoms

Brain tumor dog cases can be difficult to detect because the symptoms often mimic other health issues like ear infections or neurological conditions. Sometimes, these symptoms progress gradually, leading to a delay in diagnosis. Early detection is key, so if you notice any of the following dog brain tumor symptoms, schedule a vet visit as soon as possible:

Common Signs & Symptoms of Brain Tumors in Dogs

• Seizures – One of the most common early symptoms. Seizures can involve collapsing, twitching, stiffness, drooling, or loss of consciousness.
• Behavioral Changes – Increased aggression, confusion, depression, or unusual lethargy.
• Vision Loss – Trouble seeing from one or both eyes, dilated pupils, or uncoordinated movement.
• Changes in Eating & Drinking Habits – Either a sudden increase or decrease in appetite and thirst.
• Head or Neck Pain – Tilting the head, sensitivity in the neck, or signs of discomfort.
• Restlessness – Pacing or walking in circles, often toward one side.
• Unsteadiness – Staggering or difficulty standing up and walking.
• Nausea & Vomiting – Frequent vomiting with no clear cause.
• Other General Cancer Symptoms – Unexplained weight loss or gain, chronic coughing, and wounds that don’t heal.

📌 Real-Life Example:

"Even at 11 years old, Cosmo was full of energy and loved to run. But one day, he suddenly collapsed while playing and started bumping into furniture. Over the next few weeks, his condition worsened—until he could barely lift his head." – Lori Young, pet parent to Cosmo

What Causes Brain Tumors in Dogs?

While the exact cause of brain tumors in dogs is still being researched, some factors may contribute to their development:

• Genetics – Certain breeds, such as Boxers, Golden Retrievers, and Boston Terriers, have a higher risk.
• Environmental Factors – Exposure to toxins, pesticides, or chemicals may increase the likelihood.
• Age – Older dogs (5 years and older) are more prone to developing a brain tumor dog diagnosis.
• Spontaneous Mutations – Sometimes, cells grow abnormally without any known cause.

Dog Breeds at Higher Risk for Brain Tumors

• Boxers – Prone to glial cell tumors and pituitary gland tumors.
• Golden Retrievers – Have an increased likelihood of developing brain tumors.
• Doberman Pinschers – More susceptible to brain tumors.
• Pugs – At higher risk for pituitary gland tumors and glial cell tumors.
• Collies – More likely to develop meningiomas, a typically benign brain tumor.
• Boston Terriers – Have a higher risk of gliomas and glioblastomas, aggressive brain tumors with a high mortality rate.

How is Brain Cancer in Dogs Diagnosed?

If your vet suspects a brain tumor in your dog, they will recommend diagnostic tests to confirm the condition and determine the best treatment plan. These may include:

• CT Scan / MRI – The most reliable way to detect brain tumors in dogs.
• Blood, Urine, or Spinal Fluid Tests – Helps rule out other conditions and check organ function.
• Chest X-Rays – Used to check if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

These tests help identify the type of brain tumor and guide the treatment process.

Treatment Options for Brain Tumors in Dogs

The first step in treating brain tumors in dogs is pain management to ensure your pup stays as comfortable as possible. Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers before discussing treatment options, which may include:

1. Surgery

• Ideal if the tumor can be fully removed.
• Best suited for meningiomas, which are often operable.
• Discuss potential risks and success rates with your veterinarian.

2. Chemotherapy

• Often used when cancer has spread.
• Affects the whole body, not just the tumor.

3. Palliative Care

• Focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than curing the cancer.
• Can include medications, supplements, and supportive therapies.

4. Radiation Therapy

• Used when surgery isn’t an option or to target remaining cancer cells after surgery.
• Traditional Conventional Fractionated Radiation Therapy (CFRT) spreads treatment out over multiple sessions to minimize side effects.

5. Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRS/SRT)

A cutting-edge treatment option that:

✅ Targets tumors with pinpoint accuracy, reducing damage to healthy tissue.

✅ Requires only 1-3 treatment sessions, compared to 15-21 with CFRT.

✅ Has minimal side effects and allows for a faster recovery.

✅ Can treat tumors previously considered untreatable.

What is the Prognosis for Dogs with Brain Cancer?

Life expectancy varies depending on the type of tumor and how early it’s treated. On average:

• Gliomas: Median survival time of 12-14 months after advanced radiation therapy.
• Meningiomas: Median survival time of 20-24 months with proper treatment.

As with any cancer, early diagnosis and intervention significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.

Give Your Dog the Best Chance at Recovery

A brain tumor in a dog is a serious diagnosis, but advancements in veterinary medicine now offer better treatment options and hope for pet parents. If you notice any unusual symptoms, don’t wait—reach out to your vet for further testing.

References

Hicks J, Platt S, Kent M, Haley A. Canine brain tumours: a model for the human disease? Vet Comp Oncol. 2017 Mar;15(1):252-272. doi: 10.1111/vco.12152. Epub 2015 May 18. PMID: 25988678.

Hu H, Barker A, Harcourt-Brown T, Jeffery N. Systematic Review of Brain Tumor Treatment in Dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2015 Nov-Dec;29(6):1456-63. doi: 10.1111/jvim.13617. Epub 2015 Sep 16. PMID: 26375164; PMCID: PMC4895648.

Miller AD, Miller CR, Rossmeisl JH. Canine Primary Intracranial Cancer: A Clinicopathologic and Comparative Review of Glioma, Meningioma, and Choroid Plexus Tumors. Front Oncol. 2019 Nov 8;9:1151. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01151. PMID: 31788444; PMCID: PMC6856054.