This is perhaps one of the scariest cancers we vets see in pets. Both dogs and cats suffer it. And unless it’s one of the microscopic variety (and these do exist rather commonly, mind you), they’re almost invariably untreatable—that is, by conventional means most owners can afford.
Believe it or not, most brain tumors are not the malignant monsters we’d expect after witnessing the severity of their effects. Many of them are quite benign when it comes down to the nuts and bolts of pathological classification. Try to tell that to owners of a seizuring cat with evidence of a brain lesion, though, and they’d likely disagree with this fine point.
However, it’s true that we see under the microscope is often hard to correlate with what we see in our afflicted pets. That’s because the tumors do most of their damage not by invading brain cells directly, but by growing large enough to press on these delicate cells which border the mass.
My own Boxer dog, Bruno, had one of these tumors. He was already one of those Boxer disasters we vets are all too familiar with: orthopedic issues, skin allergies and heart problems. The coup de grace, though, was his apparent brain tumor…at the untimely age of seven.
At the time, brain tumor treatment wasn’t routinely considered (it was thought more experimental than therapeutic). So why bother with the CT or MRI?, I reasoned. All his symptoms match the description of an “intra-cranial neoplasm.” In his case, this included seizures of increasing frequency and severity over the course of a week—with no other obvious neurologic signs, normal labwork on every major test, and no response to any of a wide range of drugs (steroids, a slew of antibiotics and lots of anti-seizure medications).
Other signs of brain tumors include muscle loss with bizarre patterns, motor difficulties, blindness, and a bunch of other weird changes in attitude and alertness that sometimes appear very subtle, even to a neurologist.
But in Bruno’s situation, the neurologist felt strongly that, “If it walks like a duck…” (you know the rest) Sure, he wanted to do more tests, but he wasn’t crazy about spending all my money on a hopeless chase (even with my professional discount the sums were astronomical for this then-recent grad).
Eight years later, my tack would be significantly different: I would certainly have opted for a CT and spinal tap—at least. After all, a seven year-old dog (even a Boxer with Bruno’s issues) has at least three to five comfy years to go. And this dog was sooooo worth it.
Today, brain tumor treatment is uncommon, if not downright rare—but it’s doable. More patients every day are going under the knife or getting chemo for what we once thought an unnecessarily cruel foray into last-ditch survival efforts, given the poor prognosis for significant recovery. But how much worse is brain surgery or chemo to a brain tumor patient than chest or abdominal treatments? Arguably, it’s much less stressful, especially when you consider the pain involved in large-cavity surgery.
The hard part is that too many of these tumors are of the “unoperable” variety. Still, I feel [now] that knowing for sure what Bruno’s skull contained would have given me more peace, at relatively little cost to his comfort. And it might have meant treatment…and a cure, if not remission of his seizures for a time.
It’s easier to say all that in 2007, now that intra-cranial masses are more frequently addressed either surgically or chemotherapeutically (with exciting new interventional radiological techniques). It’s impressive, even to me, how much we can do in today’s vet medicine—and we don’t even necessarily have to travel to a fancy teaching hospital to have it done.
So do I feel guilty about Bruno’s seemingly lackadaisical care way back in 1999?
Sure, a mother always feels the guilt…even when she knows she did everything reasonable…even when she understands that eight years is a long time when it comes to our rapidly evolving standard of care in veterinary medicine…even when she knows she couldn’t afford it at the time…even when she knows that putting him to rest in her arms late one night was undeniably the best thing for him.
Add Comment12 Comments
Thank you for your timely comments, Dr. K. After a CAT scan in late-March, our 12+ year old shepherd mix was diagnosed with a meningioma (a benign brain tumor for those unfamiliar with the term.)
Prior to her diagnosis, she exhibited all the tell-tale signs of the tumor: seizures, extreme weakness in back legs, walking in circles. Though her health is far from perfect, she does not seem to be suffering and enjoys "walks" with her special leash: a patented version called the "Bottoms Up." She's on phenobarb and potassium bromide for her seizures and cortisone to shrink the tumor.
I spend a good deal of my day administering her medication and changing her tee-tee pads, as she's incontinent to boot. She was a victim of the Menu Foods scandal, so I see to it that she gets lots of water and special food. The CAT scan, doctor's visits, medication, and prescription food are expensive. The time spent caring for her borders on the ridiculous.
Is she worth it? As in your beloved Bruno's case, YES! And when the time comes, knowing that I did everything possible to prolong her quality of life will be worth the inconvenience today. Those of us that consider our animals to be more than just pets are willing to endure the medical bills and lifestyle interruptions. Keep up the good work, Dr. K -- your patients love and need you!
mb July 6th, 2007 09:38:00 AM
Did you know that cancer is the #1 cause of death in dogs over the age of 2? In searching for information about canine cancer, I discovered that Morris Animal Foundation has launched a campaign to cure canine cancer. Many of the treatments that are being used today in dogs can translate to human cancers as well (especially children).
km July 9th, 2007 12:38:00 PM
Our wonderful 15-year-old Wheaten Terrier Gruffy can no longer use his back legs, has a pronounced head tilt to the right and occasional head tremors -- all the signs of a brain tumor, according to the vet school neurologist who examined him. He strongly dissuaded us from getting an MRI to confirm this diagnosis because of Gruffy's age, instead recommending we take him for accupuncture and Chinese herbs to relieve symptoms.
Now I'm wondering whether we should actually go ahead and get the MRI. Is it unreasonable to think of treatment, such as surgery, for a 15-year-old dog with a brain tumor? We would do anything in the world to help him.
Jacki April 23rd, 2008 06:14:00 PM
دردشة
منتديات
يوتيوب
tertt June 26th, 2009 07:09:13 PM
i recently had a mri done on my english bulldog named dylan who is eight . The scan came back with a walnut size tumor, which the doctors think is a meningioma. i;m not assamed to say i cried like a baby, and still am sick about it. they said they can prolong his life with rad treatments, whether it be , 3 times a week , or a one time deal with the gammar knife .. 5000.00 for the weekly visits .does anyone know what the cost for the gammar knife treatment! i;m looking to give my best buddy every chance..with all the creeps in this world, why would such loving creatures get such a miserable desease.
shatch July 27th, 2009 09:01:24 AM
Nice article, very helpful. Thanks!!
Nike Shose
Nike Shose September 16th, 2009 01:57:56 AM
The timberland mens boots world can be changed by man endeavor, and that this endeavor can lead to something timberland men's 6 inch new and better .No man can sever the bonds that unite him to his society simply by averting his eyes . He must ever be receptive and sensitive to the new timberland men's classic; and have sufficient courage and skill to novel timberland shoes facts and to deal with them cheap timberland boots. http://www.timberboots.co.uk/
timberland shoes September 29th, 2009 09:48:14 AM
Blu ray Ripper
r4 October 5th, 2009 10:23:26 PM
DDos Protection DDos Protection
Mr.cool October 12th, 2009 03:27:53 AM
Thanks for the information
Online Marketing | Gadget Spot | Travel Blog | etips solution | Kerja Keras Adalah Energi Kita
adis October 17th, 2009 01:47:39 AM
Canon G11 | Canon T1i | Canon XS | Tag heuer watches | Storage Ottoman | chaise lounge |
sovakht October 23rd, 2009 02:17:44 PM
In 1981, ed hardy and his wife formed Hardy Marks Publications. In 2004, Christian Bale licensed the rights to produce the high-end Ed Hardy UK line, which is based on Hardy's imagery. Prior to the ed hardy clothing line, Bale was the Head Designer at Von Dutch Originals, which marketed the imagery of Kenny Howard. Don ed hardy,commented, As demand for my artwork continues to skyrocket, I felt it was ed hardy clothing time to take on a partner that could help me manage the demand and opportunities for the ed hardy T-shirts name. Iconix is at the forefront of brand management and clearly has the capabilities to dramatically grow the Ed Hardy UK business. I'm thrilled to have them as a partner. Cheap Ed Hardy are located in everywhere. We also believe that by owning the brand alongside ed hardy clothing, the founder, there will be opportunities to further leverage his iconic name along with his new artwork. Largest selection of Ed Hardy T-Shirts and Ed Hardy here.
ed hardy sale October 26th, 2009 12:06:12 AM
Add Commment