Brain Metastases From Solid Cancers in 58 Dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary oncology
• Comparative oncology
• Canine cancer research

Background:

• Brain metastases (BM) represent a significant challenge in human medicine and are underreported in veterinary oncology.
• Understanding the characteristics and outcomes of BM in dogs is crucial for improving diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical features, primary tumor types, imaging findings, treatments, and prognostic factors of brain metastases in dogs.
• To document the incidence and impact of BM in a canine population.

Main Methods:

• A multi-center retrospective study involving 58 dogs with histologically confirmed solid cancer and BM.
• Data collected included clinicopathologic variables, BM characteristics via imaging or necropsy, and survival post-BM (SPBM).

Main Results:

• Haemangiosarcoma (53.4%) and carcinoma (27.6%) were the most frequent primary tumors associated with BM.
• BM were often synchronous (63.8%), symptomatic (79% with neurological deficits, primarily forebrain), and associated with a poor prognosis.
• Median SPBM was 3 days, with 3- and 6-month survival rates of 8.6% and 1.7%, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Haemangiosarcoma and carcinoma are key contributors to BM in dogs, frequently presenting synchronously and symptomatically.
• The prognosis for dogs with BM is extremely poor, with limited survival regardless of treatment interventions.
• Further research into canine BM is warranted to explore potential therapeutic strategies and improve outcomes.