Brain & Spinal Cord Tumours
Primary CNS tumours (meningioma, glioma) and metastatic disease affecting the brain and spine.
What is Brain & Spinal Cord Tumours?
The most common primary brain tumours in dogs are meningioma (arising from the membranes around the brain, often surgically manageable) and glioma (arising from brain tissue itself). Spinal tumours can compress the cord and cause progressive weakness.
Common signs and symptoms
Signs vary between dogs and can be subtle at first. Watch for the following, especially if several appear together or persist for more than a few days:
- New-onset seizures in a dog over 5
- Circling, head tilt, or loss of balance
- Behavioural changes: confusion, aggression, withdrawal
- Progressive weakness in one or more limbs
- Neck or back pain
- Vision changes
Risk factors
Certain dogs are more predisposed. Understanding risk helps you screen earlier and act sooner.
- Meningioma: dolichocephalic (long-nosed) breeds like Golden Retriever, Labrador
- Glioma: brachycephalic breeds like Boxer, Bulldog, Boston Terrier
- Senior dogs
When to see a vet
Use this as general triage guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Book a routine appointment if: any new neurological sign in a senior dog — even subtle ones — needs a full neuro exam.
- Seek urgent care if: cluster seizures, status epilepticus, or sudden inability to walk.
Diagnosis and management
MRI is the diagnostic gold standard. Treatment options include surgery (best for accessible meningiomas), stereotactic radiation, and chemotherapy. Anti-seizure medications and corticosteroids provide meaningful symptomatic relief.