Brain Tumors in Poodles

Know Your Dog

• While poodles are not predisposed to many diseases, they do contract brain tumors. Knowing your dog's routine behavior will give you an indication as to when it may be developing brain tumor symptoms. Detecting tumor growth early offers the best chance for successful treatment.

Prevention

• Veterinarians used to think canine brain tumors were primarily found in middle- to older-aged dogs. Reports of young dogs contracting brain tumors have become more common. The first step in canine tumor prevention is a healthy diet. Dog experts recommend higher quality dog foods with ingredients like chicken and fresh vegetables. Dog owners should stay away from foods with a lot of additives and byproducts. Good food strengthens your dog, making the pet more resistant to illnesses like brain tumors.

  Minimize your poodle's exposure to chemicals, even parasite preventatives. Spending a little more on flea and tick control provides your dog with a product that is healthier. If your home is sprayed for bugs, make arrangements to keep your dog away for a few hours. Keep dangerous products such as anti-freeze, detergents, cleaning solutions and poisons out of your dog's reach. Exposure to such hazardous materials has a direct link to canine brain tumors.

  Keep your poodle on a regular vaccination schedule, but be sure your dog is not getting unnecessary shots. Express your concerns about the relationship with some vaccines and canine tumors to your veterinarian and tailor vaccinations around the needs of your dog.

Diagnosis and Symptoms

• Brain tumors in your poodle are classified into two forms. Primary brain tumors develop from brain cells that grow uncontrollably. Secondary, or metastic, canine brain tumors occur when cancerous cells spread to the dog's brain from a primary cancer that began in another part of the body. The most common form of primary canine brain tumors is meningiomas. Other diagnosed canine brain tumors include undifferentiated sarcomas, gliomas, pituitary tumors and ventricular tumors. Medical examinations such as CT scans, CAT scans and MRIs are used to identify the presence of tumors.

  Brain tumor symptoms to watch for in your poodle vary, depending on the type of brain cancer. The onset of sudden seizures is the most common symptom. Facial paralysis or diminished muscle mass around your dog's head are key indicators. Extreme sensitivity around the head area, lethargy, an obvious change in your poodle's gait, loss of hearing or vision and generalized confusion can all be symptoms of canine brain tumors and should be checked immediately. The sooner tumors are detected, the better the prognosis.

Treatment

• Three courses of treatment are available for brain tumors in your dog: surgery, radiation treatments or chemotherapy. According to the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, chemotherapy is rarely used for brain tumors in dogs.

  Surgical removal of a brain tumor in your poodle is designed to cure the disease or to lessen the clinical indications by decompressing the dog's brain. The primary objective of tumor removal through brain surgery is to eradicate the tumors and lessen the secondary effects, which can be lethal. Veterinarians only attempt brain tumor removal if the masses are found in a site that can be reached safely.

  Radiation treatments for your dog are costly and lengthy. Radiation therapy is usually only recommended when the tumors are caught early and can be effectively decreased in size.