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Brain Tumors in Dogs

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Treatment

 

There are three primary care methods for dogs that have been diagnosed with brain tumors: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The major objectives with these therapies are to eradicate the tumor or reduce its size, and to control secondary effects, such as fluid build-up in the brain (known as cerebral edema) that may result from a brain tumor. Surgery may be used to completely or partially remove tumors, while radiation therapy and chemotherapy may help shrink tumors. Various medications can be prescribed to slow tumor growth and to cope with side-effects, such as seizures.

 

Living and Management

 

Throughout and after treatment, examinations of the nervous system should be performed regularly. Imaging with computed tomography (CT), computerized axial tomography (CAT), or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be necessary. It is important to watch for complications and indications that the dog may still be in danger, such as seizure, or aspiration pneumonia due to weakened swallowing reflexes associated with increased pressure of cerebrospinal fluid within the skull cavity. The prognosis for dogs with brain tumors is not very good and is short term at best.

 

Prevention

 

Due to the fact that the causes of brain tumors in dogs are unknown, it is difficult to establish any specific prevention methods.

 

 
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