The first symptoms of a brain tumor may be so subtle, you may wonder if you've seen anything at all. You might just sense something isn't exactly right with your dog. You might observe a momentary loss of balance, or sense a passing glazed expression.
      Symptoms of brain tumors will depend on the size of the tumor and its location. Signs may range from moderate to severe. The best thing to do is to report any change of behavior to your veterinarian.
      A neurological examination, and possibly an MRI might help discover the cause. Here are common changes you may notice:

Gait - In general, you might notice that your dog's legs seem weaker. He may find it hard to jump on the couch or climb a flight of stairs. He may run more slowly, stumble or walk as though he was drunk. You may notice a shake or quiver in his limbs, and they may sometimes give out from under him.

Personality - His personality may change, perhaps becoming aggressive, perhaps becoming docile or puppy like. He may become less affectionate or develop obsessive behaviors, like barking or a compulsion to eat.

Mental ability - He may forget commands, or not recognize familiar people. He might forget to how find his way around the house or yard. A dog with a brain tumor can become lost in a corner, or under a coffee table, and can't find their way back out. Your dog may also seem "dazed and confused" or "out of it". Maybe for just a moment, but possibly for longer periods of time.

Housebreaking accidents - A dog with a brain tumor will probably have a harder and harder time maintaining his house training, even if he was formerly reliable. Try not to get mad or punish him.  In contrast to the mischief of his younger days, this time he really can't help it. You might notice that he can't hold his bladder as long, or he might forget how to go out. For suggestions on how to cope, please see our section on potty management for sick dogs.

Appetite - You dog may lose his desire to eat. On the other hand, he may become ravenous. The seizure medications and steroids your dog receives can also make him feel hungrier. See our feeding suggestions for dogs with brain cancer for ways to help keep him feeling full.

Senses - Some dogs lose their sight, or their hearing or even their sense of smell. If sight is affected, your dog may bump into things, or become frightened if removed from a familiar environment. Dogs with hearing loss may not react to noises around them, or hear you when you call. Resources are available on the Internet to help you make your sight- or hearing-impaired dog as comfortable as possible.

Seizures - This might be your first clue that something is seriously wrong. Seizures generally become worse as the tumor gets larger. Cluster seizures (several seizures one after another in a short period of time) may develop. A dog cannot breathe during a seizure and the brain does not get oxygen until the seizure stops. A grand mal seizure that continues more than three or four minutes can cause brain damage, or even death. That's why it is important that a dog who has seizures be placed immediately under a veterinarian's care. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication that can help to control the seizures, at least for a time. Seizures become more and more difficult to control as the disease progresses. (See special sections on seizures and valium)

Pain - Your dog may whine, whimper or even yipe without apparent reason. He may shake or scratch his head or rub it against objects. He may seem restless, or have trouble sleeping. He might give up his soft bed so that he can rest his head on the solid, secure floor. If your pet appears to be hurting, tell your veterinarian.

Difficult breathing - This is an important sign if it happens while your dog is sleeping. His breathing may stop and start, or his breathing may seem labored. His rib cage might rise and fall like an old accordian. This means that the tumor is putting pressure on the mid-brain, affecting the involuntary breathing reflexes.

Don't try to diagnose this yourself!
Symptoms alone are not usually enough to positively diagnose a brain tumor. Many of the symptoms can be caused by other diseases, so you'll want to rule those out to make sure you dog receives the appropriate treatment.
      If your veterinarian suspects your dog has a brain tumor, but is not sure, the best thing to do is to make an appointment for a consultation with a veterinary neurologist. You can probably find one at your state college of veterinary medicine. Large clinics in major cities might also have one on staff. A veterinary neurologist is likely to have experience with canine brain tumors and access to the tools needed to diagnose and treat the disease. If you hope to extend your dog's life, don't put off this step. Early diagnosis and treatment will improve your dog's chances for recovery.

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