Your pet suddenly starts behaving differently. But are these really signs of old age? Animals can also develop brain tumors, which are more common in dogs than in cats. Depending on the size of the tumor and its exact location, it can lead to the failure of various bodily functions.
Primary brain tumors originate directly in the brain. They affect approximately 1.5 percent of all dogs and 0.4 percent of all cats. However, there are just as many secondary brain tumors. These are either metastases from a tumor located elsewhere in the body or they have spread to the brain from surrounding tissues, such as a nasal tumor. This article describes the most common primary brain tumors in dogs and cats.
Meningiomas (also known as meningeal tumors) account for over 50 percent of primary brain tumors in dogs and cats. They are more common in older animals. Meningiomas develop from the inner and middle layers of the meninges, which surround the brain and protect it from external influences.
Gliomas account for about one-third of primary brain tumors in dogs, while they are rare in cats. They also tend to occur in older animals. Gliomas develop from various glial cells (=supporting structure of the brain around the nerve cells). Gliomas are mainly found in the cerebrum and thalamus. The thalamus is the "gateway to consciousness." This is where decisions are made about which sensory impressions are consciously perceived, i.e., forwarded to the cerebrum. The cerebrum is the largest part and highest authority of the brain. It is responsible for all thinking, consciousness, memory, movement control, and coordination of all organ functions.
CNS (=central nervous system) lymphomas arise from different types of lymphocytes, a subgroup of white blood cells. Lymphocytes play an important role in immune defense.
CNS lymphoma is the second most common brain tumor in cats. It is less common in dogs. Compared to other brain tumors, younger cats are more likely to be affected. Approximately 13 percent of them are FeLV-positive (feline leukemia virus, see related article).
The symptoms caused by brain tumors are varied. They arise from the brain tumor itself, from pressure on surrounding structures, and from congestion of blood vessels, resulting in bleeding and edema (water retention). This can cause the following symptoms:
After taking a detailed medical history (= asking about the history of the illness), your veterinarian will perform a general examination to assess any disorders and damage to the entire body. A blood test will also be performed. He or she will then carry out a neurological examination. This often makes it possible to determine the affected region of the brain. An MRI or CT scan (see relevant articles) of the head can be used to visualize the brain tumor. In some cases, a contrast agent (a substance that improves the visualization of structures) is administered into a vein beforehand. To find out whether it is a brain metastasis from a tumor located elsewhere, an X-ray of the chest and abdomen should always be taken and, if necessary, an ultrasound examination of the abdomen should be performed. A definitive diagnosis of the type of tumor can only be made by biopsy (taking a sample of brain cells). However, this is rarely performed in animals and only by specialized neurosurgeons. For some tumors, a lumbar puncture (removal of cerebrospinal fluid) followed by analysis is helpful.
The treatment options (see article on tumors) for a brain tumor are decided on an individual basis depending on the type, location, and spread of the tumor.
Some brain tumors can be surgically removed by specialized neurosurgeons. Depending on the spread, it may only be possible to remove part of the tumor. Radiation therapy, either alone or in combination with surgery, achieves the greatest success and is therefore the general treatment method of choice. In cats with CNS lymphoma, however, chemotherapy leads to a rapid improvement in symptoms. Immunotherapy can be carried out in parallel with other treatments. Regardless of the treatment, recurrences can occur.
Despite treatment, the average survival time for brain tumors is only between a few weeks and a few years. The goal of treatment is therefore often only to improve quality of life by controlling clinical symptoms and neurological deficits. Antiepileptic drugs are used to relieve seizures and corticosteroids are used to treat brain edema.
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