Brain tumors in pets: Higher possibility of occurrence in senior dogs and cats aged 7 and older

While brain tumors in pets are an uncommon disease accounting for less than 2% of all tumors, they are characterized by an increased possibility of occurrence in senior pets aged 7 and older. Kim Yong-seon, director of Bon Animal Medical Center, explained that brain tumors can be suspected when a pet experiences seizures, cognitive dysfunction, staring blankly into the distance, or staggering symptoms. These symptoms can be confused with dementia, but for an accurate diagnosis, confirmation through physical examination and MRI imaging is required.

Differences in prognosis and treatment methods according to brain tumor types

Brain tumors in pets are divided into types such as meningiomas, which grow in the brain meninges, and gliomas, which occur within the brain parenchyma, depending on the location of occurrence. According to director Kim Yong-seon, in the case of meningiomas, which are the most common type, if classified as Grade 1 benign, the average survival rate can appear to be more than 3 to 4 years, but in malignant cases, recurrence is rapid, the size increases, and there is a high possibility of inducing neurological symptoms again. On the other hand, malignant gliomas can recur rapidly even within 3 months, making an accurate diagnosis through histological examination important for determining the prognosis.

Treatment methods are broadly divided into surgical removal, radiation therapy, and medical drug therapy. Surgery is a method that can resolve the increase in intracranial pressure most quickly by directly removing the tumor mass. Radiation therapy carries less risk than surgery but requires multiple anesthesias and has limits in reducing tumor size. Drug therapy involves combining steroids or chemotherapy, and when there are symptoms of increased internal pressure due to the tumor, surgical removal may be more advantageous for the prognosis.

Precision surgery using Brain Navigator and post-operative management

To increase the accuracy of surgery, 'Brain Navigator' equipment is utilized. This equipment helps locate the position of the tumor inside the brain based on CT or MRI data captured before surgery. Director Kim stated that by using the Brain Navigator, the error rate can be reduced to about 1mm, allowing for the surgery of tumors in the deep parts of the brain, which were difficult to access in the past, while minimizing damage to normal brain tissue.

After surgery, management varies depending on the patient's condition. In the case of meningioma surgery, discharge is usually possible within a week, but in the case of deep brain tumor surgery, the hospitalization period may be longer depending on the condition. After discharge, it is important to check for seizures, and if aftereffects such as staggering remain, they may visit the clinic regularly for rehabilitation treatment. Especially in the case of malignant tumors, radiation or chemotherapy must be combined even after surgery to extend the survival period and lower the probability of metastasis.

Why the guardian's will to treat is important

Director Kim Yong-seon mentioned a case where a 15-year-old elderly patient has been healthy for 3 years after surgery, and a case where a patient with recurrence continued chemotherapy according to the guardian's will. Director Kim conveyed that brain tumor surgery has become possible due to the advancement of modern medicine, and if guardians have the will to treat and collaborate with the medical staff, a good prognosis can be expected.