Brain tumour surgery in dogs and cats

Brain tumours in dogs and cats are more common than many owners realise, and surgical treatment has advanced significantly. Meningiomas in cats — the most common feline brain tumour — have excellent surgical outcomes with median survival of 2–3 years post-operatively. In dogs, meningiomas and other extra-axial tumours can also be resected with good results at experienced centres. MRI is essential for diagnosis, surgical planning, and post-operative follow-up.

What it is

Craniotomy involves creating a bone window to access and remove the tumour while minimising damage to surrounding brain tissue. Techniques include transfrontal, transparietal, and suboccipital craniotomy depending on tumour location. CUSA (Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator) is used at advanced centres to precisely remove tumour while sparing adjacent tissue. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is available as an alternative to open surgery at some specialist centres. Intraoperative neuromonitoring improves safety.

When it's needed

• MRI-confirmed intracranial mass with clinical signs (seizures, behaviour change, head tilt, circling, ataxia, vision loss)
• Extra-axial tumour (meningioma) in surgically accessible location
• Rapidly progressive neurological signs not controlled by medical management
• Hydrocephalus secondary to tumour obstruction — CSF shunt placement
• Failed or inadequate response to corticosteroids or radiation alone

Procedure summary

Pre-operative MRI with contrast defines the tumour extent and surgical approach. Craniotomy is performed under general anaesthesia with neuroanaesthesia protocols (hyperventilation, mannitol, dexamethasone). Surgery typically takes 2–5 hours. ICU monitoring for 24–48 hours post-operatively. Histopathology of the excised tissue confirms diagnosis and guides adjunctive treatment.

Recovery

Cats with meningioma: median survival 2–3 years post-surgery; recurrence is manageable with repeat surgery in some cases. Dogs with meningioma: median survival 7–18 months depending on histological grade, location, and completeness of excision. Adjunctive radiation therapy after surgery extends survival in both species for incompletely resected tumours.

Common questions