Canine brain tumors: diagnosis, decision making and therapy

Brain tumors are increasingly recognized in canine patients, and advances in diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, surgery, and systemic therapies have expanded the options available to clinicians and pet owners. This session will provide a practical, case-based overview of the diagnosis and management of canine intracranial neoplasia from both the neurology and radiation oncology perspectives. Attendees will review common clinical presentations, neurologic localization, differential diagnoses, advanced imaging characteristics, and current treatment strategies, including corticosteroid therapy, anticonvulsant management, surgery, stereotactic and conventionally fractionated radiation therapy, and emerging systemic approaches. Emphasis will be placed on clinical decision-making, prognostic considerations, and how to tailor recommendations based on tumor type, patient factors, quality of life, and client goals. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to recognize brain tumors, counsel owners effectively, and develop evidence-based treatment plans in general and specialty practice settings.

• 1) Recognize the most common clinical presentations, neurologic examination findings, and MRI characteristics associated with canine intracranial tumors and important differential diagnoses.
• 2) Develop practical, evidence-based diagnostic and treatment plans for dogs with brain tumors, including appropriate use of corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, surgery, radiation therapy, and palliative care.
• 3) Improve clinical decision-making and client communication by understanding prognostic factors, expected treatment outcomes, quality-of-life considerations, and case selection for advanced therapies.