Knowing the signs of a brain tumor in dogs can be helpful whether you want to be a well-informed dog parent, are worried your dog could have a brain tumor, or are wondering what other symptoms your dog with a brain tumor might exhibit. To help dog parents like you, integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby discusses 16 signs of a brain tumor in dogs.
As our beloved companions age, they experience a variety of physical and mental changes. So sometimes it can be hard to know how significant a particular symptom might be. You could easily find yourself wondering (or Googling), “Is this change normal for an older dog? Or could it be a sign of a brain tumor?”
Ultimately, you need a vet visit to get a definitive answer. But it can be helpful to know the potential symptoms for brain tumors in dogs, and what other conditions those signs could be pointing to.
When my neighbor’s golden retriever was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year the first question she asked me was “Is my dog suffering?” It’s a heartbreaking question that many pet parents face when their furry companions develop brain tumors. As someone who’s researched this topic extensively for my own peace of mind, I want to share what I’ve learned about whether dogs with brain tumors experience pain and suffering.
The Pain Question: What We Know and Don’t Know
The truth is, it’s really difficult to determine exactly what sensations a dog with a brain tumor experiences. Unlike humans, dogs can’t tell us if they’re having headaches or feeling dizzy. Dr. Peter Gordon, a veterinary neurologist explains this challenge perfectly
“Unfortunately, it is very difficult to determine the exact feeling/sensations a dog experiences with a brain tumor, as we are unable to interview them or have them explain their symptoms. As such we are restricted to working with clinical signs.”
What we can do is observe behavioral changes and make educated guesses based on what humans with similar conditions experience.
Do Brain Tumors Cause Physical Pain in Dogs?
Many veterinarians believe that brain tumors themselves may not cause direct pain in the way that bone cancer or pancreatic cancer might. This is because the brain itself doesn’t have pain receptors. However, this doesn’t mean dogs with brain tumors don’t suffer or experience discomfort.
There’s strong reason to believe dogs with brain tumors may experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Discomfort from pressure within the skull
Dr. Gordon points out that humans with brain tumors often describe headaches, migraines, and dizziness, so it’s reasonable to assume dogs might experience similar sensations. Many pet owners report that their dogs seem “happier” and more energetic after successful treatment of brain tumors, suggesting they were indeed experiencing some form of discomfort before.
Signs Your Dog Might Be Suffering
While we can’t know for certain what a dog is feeling there are several signs that might indicate suffering or discomfort in dogs with brain tumors
Physical Signs
- Vomiting or retching
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive panting
- Reluctance to move
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Head pressing (pushing the head against walls or objects)
- Tilting the head consistently to one side
- Unsteady walking or stumbling
Behavioral Changes
- Withdrawal from family interaction
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Irritability or aggression
- Confusion or disorientation
- Excessive whining or vocalization
- Seeking more comfort and closeness than usual
One pet owner I spoke with noticed her dog had stopped playing fetch, a game he previously loved. Was it cognitive changes from the tumor? Or perhaps persistent dizziness or headaches making play uncomfortable? It’s impossible to know for sure, but these behavioral changes can provide clues about a dog’s comfort level.
Types of Brain Tumors and Their Effects
Different types of brain tumors can cause different symptoms depending on their location in the brain. According to North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the main types include:
Meningioma
- Most common brain tumor in dogs and cats
- Usually slow-growing
- More common in long-nosed breeds like Golden Retrievers
- Often treatable with surgery
Glioma
- More common in short-nosed breeds like Boxers and Boston Terriers
- Can occur in younger dogs
- Often more difficult to treat
Secondary Brain Tumors
- Result from cancer spreading from elsewhere in the body
- Carry a poorer prognosis
- May cause more widespread suffering
How Brain Tumors Affect Different Parts of the Brain
The location of a tumor in the brain determines what symptoms a dog will experience:
Forebrain Tumors
- Behavioral changes
- Seizures (most common sign)
- Changes in appetite
- Circling behavior
- Decreased awareness on one side
- Apparent pain behaviors
Brainstem Tumors
- Balance problems
- Head tilt
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Can rapidly become life-threatening if affecting breathing
Cerebellar Tumors
- Uncoordinated gait
- Head tremors
- Swaying
- Wide-based stance
Quality of Life Considerations
When evaluating if a dog with a brain tumor is suffering, veterinarians often suggest considering their quality of life. This includes:
- Can they enjoy their favorite activities? Are they still interested in walks, play, or treats?
- Are they comfortable most of the time? Do they seem relaxed or restless and anxious?
- Can they perform basic functions? Can they eat, drink, and go to the bathroom normally?
- Do they recognize and interact with family members? Are they still connecting with their humans?
- Do good days outnumber bad days? Keeping a daily journal can help track this.
Treatment Options That May Reduce Suffering
There are several treatment options that might help reduce suffering in dogs with brain tumors:
Surgical Removal
- Most effective for accessible, well-defined tumors like meningiomas
- Can provide immediate relief from pressure symptoms
- Not always possible depending on tumor location
Radiation Therapy
- Can shrink tumors and reduce symptoms
- May extend life and improve quality of life
- Requires multiple treatments under anesthesia
Chemotherapy
- May slow tumor growth
- Less commonly used for primary brain tumors
- More often used for secondary tumors
Palliative Care
- Steroids (like prednisone) to reduce inflammation and pressure
- Anti-seizure medications
- Pain management when appropriate
- Nausea medications
My Experience with Supportive Care
When my friend’s dog was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, she focused on making him comfortable. She gave him the medications prescribed by the vet religiously, created a quiet space in the house where he could rest undisturbed, and modified their routine to accommodate his changing abilities.
She told me, “I couldn’t take away his tumor, but I could make sure he wasn’t suffering. On his good days, we’d take slow walks in the garden, and he’d still wag his tail when I gave him his favorite treats. When those good days became fewer, I knew it was time to make the hardest decision.”
When to Consider Euthanasia
One of the most difficult questions pet parents face is when to consider euthanasia. Here are some guidelines that veterinarians often suggest:
- When the dog shows signs of persistent pain or discomfort that can’t be managed with medication
- When they no longer respond to or recognize family members
- When they refuse to eat or drink for extended periods
- When they can no longer stand or control bodily functions
- When seizures become frequent and severe
- When the tumor is causing visible suffering
Remember that euthanasia, while heartbreaking, can be the final act of love for a suffering pet. As one veterinarian told me, “Sometimes the greatest kindness we can offer is freedom from suffering.”
Final Thoughts
Do dogs with brain tumors suffer? The answer is complicated. While they may not experience pain in the way we typically think about it, they can certainly experience discomfort, confusion, and a reduced quality of life. The key is to work closely with your veterinarian to:
- Understand your dog’s specific condition
- Monitor for signs of discomfort or distress
- Provide appropriate treatment and palliative care
- Make compassionate decisions based on quality of life
Every dog and every tumor is different. What matters most is being attuned to your individual dog’s behavior and comfort levels. By paying close attention to changes and working with veterinary professionals, you can ensure your furry friend’s journey with a brain tumor is as comfortable as possible.
Remember, our dogs rely on us to be their voice and their advocate. When words fail them, their behavior speaks volumes – we just need to listen carefully.
Resources for Support
If your dog has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, consider:
- Seeking a consultation with a veterinary neurologist
- Joining online support groups for owners of pets with cancer
- Asking your vet about pain management options
- Consulting with a veterinary palliative care specialist
Have you had experience with a dog with a brain tumor? What signs of discomfort did you notice? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article is based on veterinary research and personal experiences but should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet’s specific condition and treatment options.
Abnormal pupil size and/or nystagmus
Additionally, dogs can develop abnormal pupil size and/or nystagmus (i.e. repetitive flickering or twitching eye movements) if the brain tumor is located near a nerve that controls the eye. But one or both of these signs can also occur with ear infections, vertigo, growths in the ear, Horner’s syndrome in dogs, head trauma, or other conditions.
1 Neck, back, or head pain
In some situations, dog parents may notice signs of neck, back, or head pain in a dog with a brain tumor. Thus, when clients ask me, “Are brain tumors in dogs painful?”, the answer is “It depends.”
Tumors that are not invading any nearby structures where nerves are present are less likely to be painful. However, if the tumor is pressing on structures in the head (like the eyes), stretching the covering of the brain, invading the pain centers of the brain, or affecting the back or neck, this can be very painful.
Signs of pain in dogs that you might see include:
- No longer wanting to be petted on the head, neck, or back
- Flinching when certain areas are touched
- Whimpering or crying out when making certain movements
- Walking with a hunched back or kink in the neck
If you suspect your dog is in pain, please let your veterinarian know right away. Pain can negatively affect your dog’s quality of life. Thus, it is one of the symptoms you should watch closely for if your dog has a brain tumor. Also, if your dog is painful, please use caution when handling him or her. Severe pain can make dogs more prone to bite or snap if you touch them the wrong way.
Brain Tumors in Dogs | Signs, Diagnosis, Causes and Treatment
FAQ
How long can a dog with a brain tumor live?
How do dogs act when they have a brain tumor?
Head Pressing and Circling
This action is often a sign of neurological distress and can indicate a brain tumor. Circling behavior, where a dog continuously walks in a repetitive loop, is another concerning symptom. If your dog exhibits these behaviors, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.
Is a brain tumor painful for a dog?
How to care for a dog with a brain tumor?