Meningioma is the most common type of brain tumor that occurs in dogs and cats. This serious pet health condition develops within the membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord, which are known as the meninges. These are slow-growing tumors that seem to occur more often in senior pets of any breed or sex.
How Meningioma Affects Your Pet
In the beginning stages of meningioma, your pet may experience such things as weakness, vision difficulties, loss of coordination and varying degrees of pain in the neck or back. As the tumor grows, it begins to place excessive pressure on the brain. This can create serious pet problems including Hydrocephalus, Brain Damage, Seizures and Death.
Common Symptoms of Meningioma
Unfortunately, since meningiomas develop slowly, they can become quite large before pet experience any symptoms. Additionally, the symptoms that your dog or cat will display depend on the size and location of the tumor. However, the following warning signs are all typical of meningioma in dogs and cats: Vision Problems, Abnormal Behavior/Personality Changes, Seizures, Loss of Coordination, Pain in the Neck and/or Back, Loss of Appetite, Excessive Sleeping, Weakness of the Limbs, Swelling of the Head and/or Face and Hiding.
Treatments for Meningioma
For the best possible prognosis, complete surgical excision of the tumor is required. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. Some tumors simply are not accessible for surgical removal. In these cases, your veterinarian may recommend chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Other treatments that may be necessary include IV therapy, seizure medications, pain medication and special diets. If your pet has to undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy, you will need to return to your veterinarian at regular intervals for additional treatments and evaluations of your pet’s progress.
Breeds Affected
Meningioma can develop within the brain of most any breed of dog or cat. However, pets that are older than seven years old seem to be affected more often than younger animals. These tumors are caused by an abnormal growth of cells in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. There do seem to be a few breeds that have a high incidence of meningioma though, and they are as follows. Pets most vulnerable to Meningioma: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, Pugs, Boston Terriers, English Bulldogs and Collies.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
