Canine and feline intracranial meningiomas: an updated review

Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumours in dogs and cats. There are several morphological phenotypes of this extra-axial neoplasm and they show predilections for certain anatomical locations. There have been a number of attempts to apply the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification for human meningiomas to dogs and cats and to obtain a universal classification scheme for domestic animals. Recently, certain enzymes involved in tumour growth have been recognised as biological markers and have been related to degrees of malignancy. The secondary effects of meningiomas have also been investigated, and vascular endothelial growth factor and peritumoural oedema have been reported to reduce survival rate. Breed and age predisposition are recognised in both dogs and cats and the presenting clinical signs are quite consistent. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are the techniques of choice for the presumptive diagnosis of meningiomas in domestic animals but advanced imaging techniques are constantly being developed and applied. Treatment methods for meningiomas involve a combination of de-bulking surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and detailed accounts of several treatment protocols have been reported.