How to Treat Dogs With Brain Cancer
Symptoms of brain cancer in dogs include holding the head at an odd angle, loss of coordination, not recognizing familiar people and walking about aimlessly. According to the Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, brain cancer happens mostly to middle-aged or older dogs. Brain cancer is treatable, however, depending on where the tumor is located and if it caught early enough.
Instructions
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Determine where the tumor is located and how big it is. This is necessary to figure out the best course of treatment. The dog usually gets CT scans, MRIs, an analysis of cerebrospinal fluid or X-rays. Other tests are often done to make sure the cancer is just in one location and hasn't spread to other parts of the body.
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Decide on a course of treatment or on a combination of treatments and follow through with them. If the tumor is small enough, it may be surgically removed. If it is too large or in too difficult of an area to reach, it may have to be shrunk by radiation and then either surgically removed or given a round of chemotherapy. Other treatments include killing cancer cells through the use of probes inserted into the tumor, and either burning or freezing them off.
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Administer any necessary medications that relate to complications from the cancer or chemotherapy. During this time, the dog's immune system will be lowered, so he will be more prone to getting infections and illnesses. Medications for brain tumors include anticonvulsants and corticosteroids.
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Maintain the dog's regular routine as much as possible, including daily walks and regular grooming. This helps maintain the dog's attitude and quality of life, letting her know that she is still a vital member of the family. Keep a bunch of old towels or blankets on hand, as the dog will most likely have accidents in the house.
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Change the dog's diet to a homemade one comprised of human-grade foods, or to a high-grade prescription commercial food sold at veterinarians' offices. This food does not have the preservatives, complex sugars and additives found in commercial dog food. Canine Cancer Awareness reports that many dogs with brain cancer respond well to the change to a homemade diet or to prescription commercial foods.
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Tips & Warnings
According to the Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, breeds most likely to get brain cancer include the retriever breeds and dogs with short noses and domed foreheads, such as Boston terriers or boxers. Cancer treatment in dogs costs a lot of money, often into the thousands of dollars. Consider joining an online support group for people who have dogs with cancer. This is a great way to communicate with someone who is going through what you yourself are going through.
Do not make any major changes in the home during treatment. Just changing the furniture around can confuse a dog with brain cancer and make him become confused as to where he is. Do not make a fuss about the dog having accidents in the house. She can't help it. Just clean up the mess.
Resources
- Photo Credit Image from Wikimedia Commons
