It may seem like a saddening surprise to some but brain tumors are a common and often life threatening ordeal for many dogs. There are numerous reports online today that state more than 80% of senior aged dogs will be plagued with a tumor before their seventh year of life. The numbers are startling to say the least, but one question seems to go unanswered more often than not. What are the types of brain tumor dogs get? And what are the common symptoms?
The two most common types of brain tumor dogs get are gliomas and meningioma. These two distinct tumors have been found in all breeds and ages of dog but are found frequently in short-snout breeds such as boxers, Boston terriers or pugs. In most cases the symptoms linked to canine brain tumors are progressive meaning that during the beginning stages some animals will only show minimal changes which often go unnoticed and undiagnosed.
Over time, the brain tumor dogs get will become increasingly aggressive leading to a variety of disheartening and worrisome symptoms including lack of balance, unquenchable thirst, weight loss, weakness on one side of the body, difficulty swallowing, fearful behaviour and decreased awareness. If the present tumor is affecting the nerves then the suffering dog may show facial-based symptoms such as twitching eyelids, bags under the eye or a slight tilt to the head and ears. Though these symptoms are easy to spot by most responsible owners many of these signs suggest that the tumor is fully progressed and has grown beyond the point of treatment. The severity of brain tumor dogs get can vary depending on age and breed but for the most part, this type of condition results in coma and ultimately death.
The treatments which are presently available for the types of tumor dogs get are limited at best offering relief from the symptoms but not successfully eliminating the tumor itself. Even with aggressive treatments such as radiation and chemo therapy most dogs will survive for only a few months before the tumor and sickness reoccur.
To receive more information regarding the types of tumor dogs get speak to a veterinarian and remember, each day with a dog is a blessing to be cherished.