Brain cancer strikes dogs, too. In fact, one out of every three dogs will contract some form of cancer during their lifetime. Because they cannot speak to let us know how they are feeling, we have to watch our pet dogs for the signs of canine brain cancer. Fortunately, the dog genome project has completed its map of a dog's genetic profile. This allows research on canine brain cancer to proceed faster than research on human brain cancer. However, because dogs and humans share the same environment, any advances made in the cure, treatment and prevention of canine cancer will give insight into how to move forward on research about human cancer.
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Types
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When a dog gets brain cancer, he is most likely to have meningioma. This tumor begins in the lining, or the meninges, of the brain. Breeds, like the golden retriever, which have long noses, are the most likely victims of this kind of brain cancer. The type of brain cancer most likely to effect boxers and bull dogs is glioma, which can start while the dog is relatively young. Dogs also can suffer from choroid plexus papilloma, pituitary adenoma and adenocarcinoma--all varieties of brain cancer.
Behavioral Symptoms
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When a dog has brain cancer, she experiences some changes in behavior. For instance, she may forget her obedience training. She may begin to pace or walk in endless circles. If a dog seems to become depressed, it may be a sign of brain cancer. The dog may also show dramatic changes in her eating and drinking habits.
Symptoms that Affect Vision
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Brain cancer can change a dog's vision. You will be able to identify this if your dog suddenly starts bumping into things or seems unaware of what is on one side of his body. The dog may start leaning his head to one side, which could be an attempt to compensate for a change in visual efficiency. If the dog's eyes seem to shift from side to side uncontrollably, he could have developed nystagmus, which may be a sign of brain cancer. If one of the dog's eyes suddenly seems out of alignment compared to the other or if it turns in or out as in a strabismus, the dog should be evaluated by a veterinarian for brain cancer.
Vestibular Symptoms
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Brain cancer can also produce changes in a dog's vestibular system, or balance. If your dog has a change in the way she walks, leans to one side, seems to be off balance, or widens her stance, she may have brain cancer. Swaying and falling down are also symptoms that should be checked out by a veterinarian.
Neurological Symptoms
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Dogs who have brain cancer may have seizures or suddenly develop other neurological problems. They may experience tremors in which their limbs shake like people do when they have Parkinson's Disease. Any of these symptoms and behaviors may indicate brain cancer in a dog, especially if they emerge as new behaviors or problems.
Diagnosis and Treatment
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The only way your veterinarian will be able to actually diagnose brain cancer in your dog is through a magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) scan. Then, if your dog is discovered to have brain cancer, the available treatment options can be discussed. There are new treatments for canine cancer and, because we have a fully mapped genetic profile for dogs, even more will be available soon, thanks to organizations that fund canine cancer research, like the National Canine Cancer Foundation.
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