There are multiple types of brain tumors that can develop in dogs, and veterinarians have specific ways to diagnose, grade, and treat these tumors, similar to humans.

If you suspect your dog has a brain tumor, or your dog was recently diagnosed, this article is meant to help you explore symptoms, causes, and treatment possibilities to help your dog maintain quality of life.

What are Brain Tumors?

A dog’s brain is made up of tissue (cells) including the meninges, astrocytes, and other glial cells. All of these cells have the ability to transform into what is broadly called a brain tumor.

It’s important to remember that cancer of any kind—including a brain tumor—is defined by the transformation of normal cells (which have controlled replication) to abnormal ones (uncontrolled replication).

Types of Dog Brain Tumors

Dog brain tumors that arise from the meninges are called meningiomas and tumors that come from glial cells are called gliomas. Both of these tumor types in dogs mimic the disease in people.

By far, the most common type of brain tumor in both dogs are meningiomas, which account for approximately 40-45 percent of cases. These may occur at any age, but most dogs affected are greater than five years of age.

Dogs can also develop pituitary gland tumors. The pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain and is associated with the development and regulation of hormones in the body. Most tumors that develop here are benign in nature (adenomas), though some can be classified as more malignant or aggressive (carcinomas). Regardless, these tumors tend to be slow growing.

Other cancers such as lymphoma or histiocytic sarcoma may also affect primarily or spread to the brain.

Symptoms of Brain Tumors in Dogs

As tumors in the brain grow, they start to cause direct pressure, changes, and subsequent neurologic abnormalities related to their location. There is only so much room in a dog’s skull, and as these tumors grow, they can significantly affect normal function. Inflammation and fluid build-up (edema) can also occur secondary to tumors and also contribute to symptoms in dogs.

Seizures are a common occurrence, especially in dogs with tumors located in the front portion of the brain (called the forebrain).

Other subtle neurologic abnormalities created by brain tumors may be identified by a veterinary neurologist. These could include:

• Abnormal pupil size
• Abnormal response to light
• Behavioral changes at home
• Head tilt
• Balance issues
• Abnormal gait

As we discussed earlier, the pituitary gland regulates many of the hormones in a dog’s body. Therefore, pituitary tumors may cause other symptoms including:

• Increased drinking or urination
• Increased panting
• Muscle tone loss
• Muscle weakness
• A large abdomen

What Causes Dog Brain Tumors?

Dog brain tumors happen when normal brain cells become abnormal, replicating in an uncontrolled fashion. Several breeds are at higher risk of developing brain tumors than others, according to veterinary research.

Brachycephalic dogs (those with short noses), such as Boxers, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs, appear to be more predisposed, in general, to brain tumors.

Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Miniature Schnauzers are at higher likelihood of developing meningiomas. There may also be a genetic correlation with the development of gliomas in these breeds as well, according to one study (1).

Diagnosing Brain Tumors in Dogs

If your veterinarian suspects a brain tumor, they will likely perform an MRI, which is the imaging of choice for the brain. In cases when an MRI is not available, a CT scan may be helpful but is not as sensitive as an MRI and some tumors could be missed.

Certain changes on an MRI or CT Scan (or both) may help the radiologist identify the type of brain tumor affecting your pet. Some patterns seen on these images may be more consistent with one tumor compared to another or based on location—in the case of pituitary tumors, for instance.

Routine tests such as bloodwork, urine tests, X-rays of the chest (or CT) as well as an abdominal ultrasound (or CT) are recommended. Primary brain tumors are the most common in dogs, but secondary lesions (cancer spread from another site) are possible. To rule out other diseases, or possible causes of a “spread” lesion, this type of additional testing (called staging) is recommended.

Treatment for Brain Tumors in Dogs

Radiation therapy remains the mainstay of management and treatment for many brain tumors in dogs. Your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist may recommend something called stereotactic radiation therapy. This involves high doses of radiation performed over the course of a few days and is used in specific cases. Other radiation-based treatment for brain tumors in dogs may include radiation therapy on a daily basis (Monday through Friday) for 3-4 weeks.

Each treatment is performed while your dog is under general anesthetic (usually for less than 20-30 minutes).

If dogs with brain tumors are experiencing seizures, they may be started on anti-epileptic medications prior to the start of any other treatment. Control of seizures (to reduce frequency) is important to improve the quality of life of your pet. Prednisone (a steroid medication) may also be prescribed to reduce fluid build-up. It should be noted that radiation does not necessarily entirely resolve a patient’s seizures but may assist with control.

Chemotherapy for Canine Brain Tumors

The effectiveness of chemotherapy to treat solid brain tumors—such as meningiomas or gliomas—remains low. Tumors such as lymphoma or histiocytic sarcoma may respond more favorably to chemotherapy.

Surgery for Dog Brain Tumors

In cats with meningiomas, surgery is often recommended by veterinarians. But surgery for dogs with brain tumors is not as common. Many veterinarians prefer radiation therapy over surgical removal of the mass.

In some cases, despite attempts at surgical excision, it is possible that cancer cells will be left behind and require additional local treatment (ie. radiation therapy).

Cost to Treat Brain Tumors in Dogs

Costs of treatment varies based on geography, your veterinary institution, and what types of therapy are available.

With testing, radiation, and medications, the treatment can cost several thousand dollars. Treatment costs can be discussed with your veterinarian or veterinary specialist.

Prognosis for Dogs With Brain Tumors

Response rates to radiation treatment for brain tumors are typically high and this treatment has reported median survival times between 12-18 months. In dogs with pituitary tumors, radiation is effective and provides survival times over 3 years.

Survival time depends on several factors, including your dog’s tumor type and how early the tumor is detected.

Without treatment, cancerous brain tumors in dogs typically progress, and dogs lose their quality of life within 1-3 months.

If your dog is diagnosed with a brain tumor, it can be an understandably scary time. However, treatment with aggressive therapy can provide longer-term tumor control and an improved or sustained quality of life.

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However, there are other types of lymphoma that affect cats in different ways.

Let’s go over the types of lymphoma commonly seen in cats, typical diagnostics, and the differences in treatment and outcomes for felines who receive a lymphoma diagnosis.

What Is Feline Lymphoma?

Lymphoma in cats is a type of cancer of the body’s lymphocytes, which are important to a cat’s immune system.

Lymphocytes are found everywhere in a cat’s body, and there are multiple areas where lymphoid tissue is present. This means that lymphoma can develop in those same areas, or eventually impact all of a cat’s lymph tissue.

Types of Lymphoma in Cats

Some of the most common types of lymphoma observed in cats include renal (kidney) lymphoma, nasal (nose) lymphoma, and gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma.

Small Cell Gastrointestinal (GI) Lymphoma

Small cell GI lymphoma is one of the most common forms of lymphoma observed in cats. It is important to note that the diagnosis between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and GI lymphoma can be difficult. In some cases, IBD precedes the development of this type of gastrointestinal cancer and the transition to a cancerous form can make the diagnosis very difficult.

Small cell GI lymphoma typically leads to the thickening of the small intestines and cats may show symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. This disease tends to progress slowly in comparison to its large-cell counterpart.

Large Cell Gastrointestinal (GI) Lymphoma

Large cell GI lymphoma usually manifests as masses within a cat’s intestinal tract or stomach (or both). Your veterinarian may be able to feel enlargements or masses within the abdomen during a physical examination.

This disease, in contrast to the small cell form of GI lymphoma in cats, is typically more aggressive and a cat’s health may decline more rapidly without treatment.

Nasal Lymphoma

Nasal lymphoma is also common in cats. This disease may manifest as a tumor or mass that develops within a cat’s nasal cavity. As a result, the mass can begin to break down and destroy the adjacent bone. This may lead to facial deformities (as if the nose is very swollen) or may sit behind a cat’s eye (leading to ocular pain or loss of vision), or even invade into the skull (resulting in neurological signs or seizures).

The most common clinical signs of nasal lymphoma in cats are sneezing and nasal discharge. Nasal discharge may arise from one or both sides of the nasal cavity and may be mucous-like or blood-tinged. This disease tends to be localized (affecting just the nasal cavity) but in 20-30 percent of cases, other areas of the body (other lymph tissue or lymph nodes) may be affected.

Renal Lymphoma

Renal lymphoma affects a cat’s kidneys and could extend to the central nervous system (spinal cord). Cats with this type of lymphoma typically have enlarged and firm kidneys that may be felt during a physical examination by your veterinarian. Kidneys affected by lymphoma also have a characteristic halo-like appearance on abdominal ultrasound. As the lymphoma destroys the normal kidney tissue, renal failure can develop, and clinical signs (including weight loss, increased drinking and urination, and neurologic issues) are usually attributable to this.

Other forms of lymphoma in cats—which are less common—include:

• Hodgkin’s-like nodal lymphoma
• Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma
• Cutaneous (skin) lymphoma

What Causes Lymphoma In Cats?

Infection with viruses such as FeLV or FIV have been associated with the development of lymphoma in cats. Though, now with routine vaccination and a better understanding of these diseases, viral-induced lymphomas are much less common. Inflammation associated with chronic inflammatory bowel disease has also been suggested as a possible predisposing factor for gastrointestinal lymphoma in cats.

Ultimately, the development of cancers is complex and not one single event or lifestyle change may be attributable to the development of the disease.

Symptoms of Lymphoma in Cats

The symptoms of lymphoma generally relate to the location of the disease. In general, the symptoms may reflect other diseases and specialized tests are typically required to obtain a cancer diagnosis.

Some symptoms of lymphoma in cats include:

• Sneezing or nasal discharge (nasal lymphoma)
• Vomiting (GI lymphoma)
• Diarrhea (GI lymphoma)
• Weight loss (any lymphoma)
• Lethargy (any lymphoma)
• Seizures or other neurologic signs (central nervous system lymphoma, nasal lymphoma)
• Changes in urination or drinking (renal lymphoma, others)

If you notice any of these symptoms, lymphoma could be possible but is not the only disease where these symptoms may be present. A veterinarian should evaluate your pet and determine if further tests are required.

Diagnosing Lymphoma In Cats

Diagnosing feline lymphoma is dependent on the location of the symptoms.

In cats with GI lymphoma, when masses are present, samples may be obtained by placing a needle directly into the mass and retrieving cells with guidance from an ultrasound. In other cases, where the inside of the intestinal wall is affected (small cell GI lymphoma) biopsies with an endoscope—a device used to look inside the body—are typically required. In some cats, a surgical biopsy is required, where a biopsy punch is used to take a sample of the intestine in its full thickness, under a general anesthetic.

In cats suspected of having nasal lymphoma, a CT scan is typically used to evaluate the location of the mass (if one is present). Nasal biopsies are then obtained and sent to a pathologist to review. In some cases, if there is enough bony destruction that the mass is accessible with a needle, a sample may be obtained in this way as well.

Where renal lymphoma is suspected, veterinarians may place a needle directly into the affected kidney tissue and retrieve cells with the guidance of an ultrasound. If the cell sample is inconclusive, kidney biopsies can be pursued, but is less commonly required for renal lymphoma.

How to Treat Lymphoma in Cats

Treatment for lymphoma in cats depends on the specific type of cancer. Many types of lymphoma will be treated with either systemic therapy (chemotherapy) or local therapy (radiation therapy).

Chemotherapy in animals is very different from people, and the typical side effect rates are not as high in veterinary medicine. Veterinarians typically focus on treatments that will benefit and promote a cat’s quality of life.

Treatment of Small Cell Gastrointestinal (GI) Lymphoma

This is typically a slowly progressive disease and clinical signs and disease control can be managed with chemotherapy. A common drug used is Chlorambucil, and this is typically combined with prednisolone.

Response rates usually exceed 80 percent, and survival times with this type of treatment range from 1.5 to 3 years.

Treatment of Large Cell Gastrointestinal (GI) Lymphoma

This type of GI lymphoma in cats is very aggressive. In some cats that have a single lesion affecting the intestine, surgery may be considered. In most cases there are several masses and therefore surgery is not appropriate.

For cats with this type of lymphoma a more aggressive chemotherapy protocol is typically pursued, called the CHOP protocol. This protocol ranges from 19-25 weeks in duration and cycles through three chemotherapy drugs, combined with prednisolone.

The treatment response rate is roughly 50-60 percent, with survival times ranging from 3 – 10 months. Patients that have complete remission (ie. tumors completely go away after starting therapy) tend to have longer survival times than those that do not.

Treatment of Nasal Lymphoma

Nasal lymphoma is typically treated with local therapy, such as radiation therapy. Many different protocols exist. Generally, treatments are given daily from Monday to Friday for 15 treatments (3 weeks).

Response rates to radiation range from 75-90 percent, with survival times anywhere from 1.5 to 3 years. Those that do not respond fully to radiation have a decreased survival rate of roughly 4-5 months.

If radiation therapy is not elected or available, chemotherapy can also be pursued. Similar to large cell GI lymphoma, this is typically the CHOP protocol. Response rates range from 75-90 percent with median survival times of roughly 2 years for cats who respond fully.

Treatment of Renal Lymphoma

Renal lymphoma is aggressive, similar to other large-cell lymphomas. Chemotherapy with a CHOP-based protocol is typically recommended.

Approximately 60-70 percent of patients will experience benefits (improved clinical signs), though the median survival times are about 4-7 months.

Cost to Treat Lymphoma in Cats

The cost of lymphoma treatment depends on your geographic area and availability of chemotherapy medications. These are generally administered by a board-certified oncology team. Similarly, radiation therapy is not available everywhere.

The diagnosis and treatment plan for feline lymphoma should be discussed with your veterinarian and a board-certified veterinary oncologist. The data cited here is only a guide and there are cats that may have prolonged or much shorter remissions than those listed here.

Ultimately, the goal is to improve the quality of life of cats affected with a cancer such as lymphoma. Veterinarians never want treatment to be worse than the disease itself.

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Approximately 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer in their lifetimes (4). Lung cancer in people is one of the leading causes of death in North America. In contrast, lung cancer in pets represents only about 1 percent of tumors and is considered rare compared to other cancers in pets. 

Although lung cancer in dogs is not as common as other canine cancers, it’s important to understand the signs, the disease progression, and the available treatment options to help you make the best-informed decision for your beloved family member.

What is Lung Cancer?

When we think about cancer, most of us think of lumps or bumps that develop on the skin or other internal organs. This is absolutely correct. The reason these lumps and bumps form is due to the abnormal growth and replication of cells. 

Lung cancer in dogs is caused by this abnormal growth of cancerous cells. 

As these masses continue to grow uncontrollably (often at undetermined and varying rates), they may also begin to spread (metastasize) to other locations via the blood or lymphatic system. 

Types of Dog Lung Cancer 

The most common lung tumor seen in dogs is called a primary lung carcinoma and this arises from the tissues within the lung. This tumor tends to grow as a large, single, and solitary mass, but may spread within the lungs, to local lymph nodes, or even bone.  

Other lung tumors in dogs may include a primary lung histiocytic sarcoma. This is a term to describe a tumor of the histiocytes (a form of white blood cell) which may manifest as a single tumor in the lungs. This is considered a tumor with high-spread potential, most often to other parts of the lung, lymph nodes, and other internal organs. 

Many tumors of non-lung origin can spread to the lungs. Therefore, if any cancer is found in a dog’s lungs, it is always important to check other places for another potential primary mass that could have spread to the lungs. 

Symptoms of Lung Cancer in Dogs

In many cases, lung tumors are actually found by chance. At the beginning stages of lung cancer in dogs, many show no clinical signs or vague clinical signs attributable to the disease. 

However, in other cases, as the mass(es) continues to grow or spread within the lungs or other locations, clinical signs may manifest. 

These symptoms include:

• Cough
• Weakness and lethargy
• Weight loss
• Increase breathing rate (tachypnea) and effort (dyspnea)
• Exercise intolerance
• Refusal to go for normal walks
• Lameness
• Loss of appetite

The tumor may also spread to the bone and cause destruction. This can cause a high degree of discomfort and weaken the bone to a state where it can fracture. Lameness or back pain may be observed in dogs, depending on the bone involved. 

What Causes of Lung Cancer in Dogs?

In people, chronic airway irritation via asbestos exposure, smoking, or exposure to pollution may lead to the development of lung cancers.             

However, in dogs, the correlation between exposure and development of lung tumors is less well known. Studies have failed to draw absolute correlations between the development of lung tumors with many of these same factors (cigarette smoke, pollution, etc). 

Causes for histiocytic sarcomas that develop in the lungs are less well defined in scientific literature. However, certain breeds such as Bernese Mountain Dogs, flat-coated Retrievers, and Rottweilers are generally more predisposed to these tumors due to commonly observed genetic mutations. 

Diagnosing Dogs With Lung Cancer

The diagnosis of a cancerous lung tumor in dogs is most often seen via chest X-rays. A physical examination is always important to determine if there are any other masses on the skin, rectum, oral cavity, or other locations on a dog’s body. Pain may be detected on physical examination that could indicate a bony lesion and radiographs of this area may be recommended. 

Ultimately, X-rays are a preliminary evaluation of the lungs and three-views should be obtained. This helps create a somewhat 3-D view of the chest cavity. A mass may be visible on the left and top views, but not the right, so, three views are important.

Abdominal ultrasound is always recommended as a general staging measure. This allows your veterinarian or veterinary specialist to determine if there are any other masses or abnormalities that could have contributed to the development of a lung lesion. Bloodwork and urine tests are also recommended as a baseline measure. 

If the lesion is questionable, a CT scan may be recommended. This could involve a scan of just the chest cavity or involve the whole body. This is one of the more advanced ways to evaluate lung masses, and is usually required for surgical planning. The CT scan allows veterinary specialists to evaluate other lung lobes, detect smaller lesions that may not have shown up on the X-rays, and evaluate a dog’s lymph nodes.  

When determining what type of tumor your pet has, the veterinary specialist may recommend an ultrasound-guided aspirate, a type of biopsy. If the mass is located near the edge of the lung, it may be safer to use the ultrasound to guide a needle directly into the mass to sample the cells (called cytology) and aid with a diagnosis. 

Is Lung Cancer in Dogs Treatable? 

Lung cancer in dogs has many treatment options available, especially when there is a single and solitary mass in the lungs. Even in the metastatic (spread) disease setting, pet parents have options. 

Surgery for Canine Lung Cancer 

Surgery is by far the mainstay of treatment for dogs with lung carcinoma or histiocytic sarcoma of the lungs, especially with a single mass. This usually involves a lung lobectomy. In this procedure, the chest cavity is opened and the mass, along with the portion of the affected lung lobe is removed. 

With advancements in human and veterinary surgical equipment, depending on the size of the mass (and patient) some surgeries can be performed thoracoscopically. This means that smaller incisions are made, and a camera as well as other tools, are inserted into the chest cavity and the mass is retrieved without opening the chest cavity more invasively. This surgery is only performed by a board-certified veterinary surgeon, and certain patient (and tumor) criteria need to be met. 

Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer in Dogs 

If surgery cannot be performed or is not elected for, other therapies such as chemotherapy may be considered. Chemotherapy in pets is very different than in people. Quality of life is the primary concern.  

With the common chemotherapies, roughly 30 percent of dogs will experience side effects, with only 5 percent of those requiring further hospitalization. The most common chemotherapy side effects seen in dogs are:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Low white blood cell count

Many of these side effects are short lived and treatable at home. The other 70 percent of dogs have little-to-no side effects following chemotherapy treatment. 

A combination of surgery and chemotherapy may be recommended and should be discussed with your veterinary oncologist. 

Other Treatment Options

Additionally, in cases where spread of the cancer is observed and surgery is not recommended, other medical therapies with targeted agents such as Palladia (Toceranib Phosphate)—an anticancer drug for dogs—can be considered. 

In cases of histiocytic sarcoma, specifically, surgery remains the mainstay of therapy but is always followed with medical therapy (ie. chemotherapy). In cases where surgery cannot be performed (or again, overt spread) chemotherapy on its own may be considered. 

Life Expectancy for Dogs With Lung Cancer 

The prognosis for dogs with lung carcinoma is generally good for single and solitary lesions that can be surgically removed. However, several factors such as size, grade (how aggressive it looks under the microscope), lymph node involvement, and clinical signs at the time of diagnosis may alter the prognosis. 

The median survival times range anywhere from just under one year to over two years with adequate control. This should be discussed with your oncologist. 

We have much more limited information on primary lung histiocytic sarcomas. One study evaluated the disease course in 37 dogs and reported a median survival time of just over one year when treated aggressively with surgery and chemotherapy (5). 

It is important to remember that all dogs respond differently to treatment and how tumors respond to treatment also vary. Both of these factors affect a dog’s survival rate and life expectancy. 

Costs to Treat Lung Cancer in Dogs

Costs for procedures range from institution to institution, but the more advanced and specialty procedures are expensive. More often than not, chemotherapy is performed at a specialty facility with a board-certified veterinary oncologist, but this can be discussed with your veterinarian.  

Preventing Dog Lung Cancer

Unfortunately, we cannot prevent any type of cancer in dogs. However, routine physical examinations and close monitoring of your pet for any clinical signs is always important. 

You should speak with your veterinarian if you have any concerns. Given the complexity of lung cancer cases, referral to a veterinary specialty hospital for consultation with a veterinary oncologist and surgeon are recommended. 

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Providing your veterinarian with a detailed history, as well as insight into what your dog’s stool looks like, may help to make a gastroenteritis diagnosis in your dog. 

What Is Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is a broad term that is used to describe a disease affecting the upper to mid-intestinal tract in dogs. It may manifest with symptoms that are mild or severe. These signs could include mildly soft stool, vomiting, watery diarrhea, or even bloody diarrhea. 

If you notice your dog has softer than normal stool for extended periods, record this information and bring it to your veterinarian. Changes in color, consistency, and development of mucous are also important details to note and mention to your vet. 

Types of Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Gastroenteritis in dogs can present as acute or chronic. 

Acute gastroenteritis develops suddenly. If symptoms of acute gastroenteritis worsen, veterinary intervention is often necessary. 

Chronic gastroenteritis in dogs occurs over the course of weeks or months and is often the result of a chronic disease or allergies. 

Gastroenteritis in Dogs Symptoms

Dogs with gastroenteritis usually have soft stool or watery diarrhea. Diarrhea may also appear bloody or contain mucous and be explosive in nature. Dogs with gastroenteritis may also vomit, which could appear yellow (bile) or foamy. 

Other symptoms of gastroenteritis in dogs include:

• Vomiting, especially after eating
• A tender abdomen, uncomfortable to the touch
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Dark, tarry stool
• Frank, bloody stool
• Decreased or lack of appetite
• Weight loss (if the condition is chronic), despite normal appetite   

Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS)

Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome—previously called hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE)—manifests as very bloody and watery diarrhea, and is especially concerning for pet parents. 

Pet owners will notice red blood in the dog’s stool. If a dog has AHDS, he may become profoundly dehydrated, very weak, or even anemic.  

This disease requires immediate care by a veterinarian as dogs can decline very quickly once the clinical signs begin. 

How Do Dogs Develop Gastroenteritis?

Dogs may develop gastroenteritis from a variety of causes that range from bacterial overgrowth to viruses and parasites. Here are some of the common causes of gastroenteritis in dogs:

Bacterial Overgrowth

The small intestinal tract houses a plethora of bacterial species that are sensitive to change. In some dogs, the use of medications, changes in the environment (such as stress), or food changes (such as getting into something they shouldn’t) can cause the overgrowth of one bacterial species over another, leading to gastroenteritis. 

This may be diagnosed as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) in dogs or antibiotic-responsive diarrhea. 

Viruses

Certain dangerous viruses can cause gastroenteritis in dogs, including parvovirus. This disease is characterized by watery diarrhea, and in young or very small dogs, it can lead to severe dehydration and even death. The virus also attacks the body’s white blood cells, meaning infected dogs also may not be able to fight off infection.

Routine vaccination against parvovirus has led to a decreased incidence of the disease, but it is still seen as a cause of gastroenteritis in veterinary practices. 

Parasitic Infections

There are several different types of parasites—such as intestinal worms and giardia—that can cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea in dogs. Preventive worming medications help prevent these infections.

Food Allergies

Similar to developing a rash on the skin, a dog’s intestinal tract can have an allergic reaction to certain foods, causing gastroenteritis. Finding the exact cause or the exact substance that is creating the adverse reaction may be difficult, but protein sources are thought to be the biggest culprit.  

Knowing the history of your pet’s diarrhea, consistency, and if any food changes happened at the onset of symptoms, provides your veterinarian important information to aid in a diagnosis. 

Endocrine Diseases

Endocrine disease, such as Addison’s disease, may also cause gastroenteritis in dogs. Addison’s disease is a disorder characterized by the loss of ability to produce cortisol—a hormone required to combat stress. Clinical signs can vary, but diarrhea is typically seen and may be severe.  

Other possible causes of gastroenteritis in dogs include:

• Ingesting raw or spoiled food
• Ingesting non-food objects
• Gastrointestinal ulcers 
• Gastrointestinal cancers

Diagnosing your Dog with Gastroenteritis

Depending on the nature of your pet’s diarrhea, and the history you provide, the diagnostics performed or recommended will vary. Often, bloodwork and a fecal flotation test are recommended. 

If a dog is vomiting in addition to having diarrhea, X-rays of the abdomen may be suggested to rule out potential foreign objects that may be stuck in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract.           

Other tests may include abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy or colonoscopy, and biopsies of the intestinal tract. More specific blood tests, such as a resting cortisol or even a gastrointestinal panel, which evaluates several essential vitamins (such as B12), may be recommended.  

Treatment of Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Treatment of gastroenteritis in dogs will depend on the cause of your pet’s diarrhea. 

Many veterinarians will attempt diet trials at the first signs of mild or more chronic gastroenteritis. 

In acute and severe diarrhea, certain antibiotics and anti-diarrheal medications will be considered. 

For severe cases of gastroenteritis where dehydration or anemia may occur, admission to hospital for IV fluid therapy and close monitoring of symptoms may be considered. 

Cost to Diagnose and Treat Gastroenteritis in Dogs

The costs of procedures used to diagnose and treat gastroenteritis in dogs can vary from practice to practice and will range depending on the severity of your pet’s diarrhea and symptoms.

If your pet is being evaluated by a board-certified specialist or needs several diagnostic tests such as X-rays and ultrasounds, the cost will be higher than treating a mild form of gastroenteritis. 

Determining the cause of a dog’s gastroenteritis can be tricky, time-consuming, and expensive. Many pet parents err on the side of caution by purchasing a pet health insurance policy such as MetLife Pet Insurance, which may help offset veterinary costs in the case of accidents and illnesses, including the necessary testing and diagnostics.

How to Prevent Gastroenteritis

Because there are so many potential causes of gastroenteritis, it is difficult to provide recommendations for preventing its development. 

Not allowing your pet to routinely get into garbage, human scraps, or other foods and items they are not used to will assist in preventing certain types of gastroenteritis. 

Vaccinating your pet against viruses—such as parvovirus—and keeping them on parasite and worm protection as recommended can also help prevent some of the causes of gastroenteritis.

However, some causes, such as food allergies, are unavoidable. Remember to track and monitor your dog’s stool and bathroom habits. This will help provide your veterinarian with important information that could help with a diagnosis if diarrhea and other symptoms occur. 

Related Conditions

• Addison’s Disease
• Parvovirus
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
• Giardia in Dogs
• Whipworms in Dogs
• Hookworms in Dogs

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