When your veterinarian hands down a diagnosis with a big, intimidating word your heart plummets. Meningiomas are brain tumors that are slow-growing in the cranial cavity.

what is meningiomas in dogs

Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumors in dogs. Meningiomas are more prevalent in large-breed dogs but have been found in small breeds. These tumors usually occur in dogs older than 10 years. Meningiomas are more common in long-nosed dog breeds.

Meningiomas are generally slow-growing and arise within the cranial cavity. Over time the meningioma will invade the brain. There are three classifications of meningiomas: Grade I or benign, Grade II or atypical, and Grade III (malignant) or anaplastic.

Symptoms of Meningiomas in Dogs

yellow lab examined by vet — Yellow lab being examined by a veterinarian – Image credit: www.southmesa.com

Depending upon the location of the meningiomas within the cranial cavity or the brain, the symptoms will vary. Symptoms caused by a brain tumor can mimic those of other common brain disorders such as stroke or encephalitis. Should you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, contact your veterinarian for a full assessment.

Seizures
Confusion or Aggression
Other Behavioral changes
Loss of equilibrium

Causes of Meningiomas in Dogs

dog getting examined by vet — Dog getting heart checked by veterinarian – Image credit: furkin.com

While the exact cause of meningiomas has not been determined, it is known that they occur in the arachnoid mater of the meninges, not within the actual brain cells. The meninges are the membranes that line the brain. Meningiomas will eventually compress the brain within the cranial cavity or they will invade the brain cells.

In most cases, meningiomas are slow-growing and respond well to treatment. There have been more aggressive or malignant forms of meningiomas that have not responded well to treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian and veterinarian oncologist when deciding on the proper treatment for your dog.

Diagnosis of Meningiomas in Dogs

meningiomas in golden retriever — Brain scans of a Golden Retriever diagnosed with meningiomas – Image credit: surgicalneurologyint.com

A definitive diagnosis of meningiomas can only be done after a biopsy has been taken of the tumor tissue and examined under a microscope. Therefore, surgery is required to definitively diagnose meningiomas.

A presumptive diagnosis of meningiomas can be made by performing an MRI of the brain. There are certain characteristics that meningiomas have that allow for a fairly accurate presumptive diagnosis. Meningiomas usually appear along the outer lining of the brain and are adjacent to the skull. This can be easily seen on an MRI. The MRI cannot differentiate between the three different classifications of meningiomas. Surgery is required to biopsy the tumor and determine which grade the meningiomas will be classified.

Treatment of Meningiomas in Dogs

mixed breed dog being examined by canine oncologist — Mixed breed dog being examined by a canine oncologist – Image credit: www.imprimedicine.com

With the advancement of veterinary medicine, there are several treatment options available for dogs diagnosed with meningiomas. Many treatment plans include a combination of treatments to successfully treat the tumor. Your veterinarian will discuss each option with you and tailor a treatment plan to your dog for the best quality of life and survival.

Palliative or Symptomatic Treatments

Palliative treatments are used to relieve some of the secondary effects of the tumor. These can include steroids or anti-convulsion medications. The primary goal of this treatment is to make your dog feel better, have less stress, and have a better quality of life. Your veterinarian will discuss the necessity of palliative treatments for your dog.

Surgical Removal of the Tumor

german shepherd after surgery — German Shepherd after brain surgery with sutures still in – Image credit: www.drphilzeltzman.com

Surgical removal of a meningioma is oftentimes possible. The best surgical successes occur when the meningioma is located in front of the brain and has not infiltrated the brain cells. The size and location of the meningioma may limit the surgeon to remove the entire meningioma, thus requiring additional non-surgical treatments.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy has been used successfully as the primary treatment of meningiomas in cases where surgery is not a possibility. Most dogs are treated with radiation therapy for approximately four weeks, five days a week. The radiation therapy will be tailored to your dog’s tumor location and size to ensure maximum success in shrinking the tumor.

Chemotherapy

While there have been no large controlled studies clearly showing the effectiveness of chemotherapy on meningiomas in dogs, some veterinarians will prescribe chemotherapy as part of a cancer treatment plan. This is an option used for Grade III meningiomas or meningiomas that are malignant.

Recovery of Meningiomas in Dogs

golden with an e collar — Description: Golden dog with an e-collar on – Image credit: pupford.com

Recovery times vary in dogs with meningiomas depending on the grade of the meningioma and the treatment plan in place. Depending upon the location, size, and grade of the meningiomas, the survival range of your dog can be as little as a few weeks to as many as several years.

Your veterinarian will discuss the risks involved with each treatment as well as which treatment or treatments are best suited to your dog’s case. Meningiomas can be treatable if diagnosed early and treatments begin quickly. Pet insurance can be beneficial to help cover some of the treatment costs.

When your dog is diagnosed with something as terrifying as brain cancer, your world starts to crumble. However, if caught early enough, meningiomas can be successfully treated and you will have many more years with your beloved pup. Research treatment plans and talk with your veterinarian about which one is best. Your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary oncologist for treatment.