This Brain Tumor Treatment for Dogs Doubles Survival Time—And It's Not Surgery

When it comes to treating brain tumors in dogs, a groundbreaking study from Texas A&M University reveals a surprising twist: radiation therapy can nearly double a dog’s survival time compared to surgery.

In a comprehensive study involving 285 dogs, researchers found that dogs with meningiomas—the most common brain tumor in pets—lived significantly longer with radiation therapy than with surgery. While the average survival time for dogs undergoing surgery was around 10 months, those receiving radiation therapy lived for an average of nearly 2 years.

“Deciding between surgery and radiation has been a long-standing question,” said Dr. Nick Jeffery, a neurology professor at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Many owners can’t afford both treatments, so knowing which to recommend can make all the difference for the dog’s survival.”

What Are Meningiomas?
Meningiomas are tumors that develop in the membranes lining the skull and press on the brain. They’re especially common in older dogs and certain breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Boxers. Symptoms can include seizures, lack of coordination, and behavioral changes.

Fortunately, radiation therapy, although requiring multiple visits to a specialty clinic, tends to be well-tolerated by dogs. The treatment targets only the affected part of the brain, which reduces the risk of complications, such as pneumonia—a common side effect of brain surgery.

“Radiation tends to lead to a more complete removal of the tumor with fewer complications,” Jeffery explained. “And most dogs recover well after the treatment.”

The Science Behind the Study
Published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, this research used a novel statistical technique called inverse-probability weighting estimation, allowing the team to analyze pre-existing data and compare survival outcomes for both treatments.

“While randomized controlled trials are the gold standard, they’re often impractical for studies like this due to high costs,” Jeffery said. “Our method lets us draw meaningful conclusions from real-world data.”

What Does This Mean for Dog Owners?
While meningiomas are a type of brain tumor with a relatively favorable prognosis compared to other tumors, this study offers vital information for dog owners facing this diagnosis. Radiation therapy, despite its costs and logistics, provides a much better survival rate, making it a preferable option over surgery for many dogs.

Thanks to Texas A&M’s new research, pet owners can now make more informed decisions when it comes to treating their furry friends with meningiomas—and in many cases, give them a longer, healthier life.