Brain Tumor Removal

Brain tumors are a common cause of neurological problems in dogs and cats. Most affected animals are middle age to older and have a gradual progression of signs that may include blindness, loss of coordination, and seizures. In some cases, brain tumors may result in sudden, severe neurological disability.

In dogs and cats, the two most common brain tumors are meningioma and glioma. Meningioma is a tumor of the soft tissue layer (meninges) that surrounds the brain. Normally, this layer is paper thin and sits between the skull and spinal fluid. As meningiomas develop, they expand and compress the underlying brain. Most meningiomas are histologically benign; these tumors frequently affect long-nosed breeds and Golden Retrievers. Gliomas are tumors of cells that support neurons within the brain. These tumors are usually invasive to surrounding tissue and may behave in a malignant manner. Boston Terriers and Boxers are most commonly affected.

Texas A&M University has assembled a team of individuals with expertise in treating brain tumors in veterinary patients. Our group includes veterinary neurologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and pediatric neurosurgeons. We have also have access to state-of-the-art equipment to facilitate surgical treatment. These instruments include:

Radionics OmniSight

This equipment allows us to utilize image-guided surgical techniques and perform minimally invasive brain biopsy. Essentially, using the OmniSight we can see our surgical instruments on CT or MR images of the tumor (see photo below). This permits us to understand exactly where tumor borders are, which in human medicine has been shown to enhance removal.

Radionics Cavitronic Ultrasonic Aspirator (CUSA)

The CUSA has been used in veterinary neurosurgery to help remove tumor tissue from normal, underlying brain. It works by focally vibrating the tumor and suctioning tissue.

The following images are from a dog with meningioma. On the left is the pre-surgical MR image. On the right is an immediate post-op MR which reveals complete tumor removal.

Image guidance was used to enhance tumor removal.

Currently, we have one clinical trial associated with brain tumor removal.