All canine diagnoses

Your dog was diagnosed with Intracranial Meningioma. Most common primary intracranial tumour in dogs. Typically extra-axial, potentially resectable depending on location. Some studies suggest dolichocephalic breeds may be predisposed, though this association is less firmly established than the brachycephalic predisposition for gliomas. Often discovered when neurological signs develop (seizures, behavioural changes, circling). Compare 4 treatment options for dogs including Surgical Resection (Craniotomy), Radiation Therapy (Definitive or Stereotactic), Surgery + Post-Operative Radiation — with survival times, costs, and what to expect during treatment.

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Intracranial Meningioma

BreedsGolden RetrieverBoxerMiniature SchnauzerLabrador Retriever
canine

Neuroendocrine

About This Cancer

Meningioma is the most common primary brain tumour in dogs, arising from the meninges — the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Because these tumours grow on the surface of the brain (extra-axial) rather than within the brain tissue itself, they often push against the brain rather than invading it, which means they can potentially be surgically removed. Dogs typically present with neurological signs such as seizures, behavioural changes, circling, vision loss, or imbalance, depending on the tumour's location. Meningiomas are generally slow-growing, and many dogs respond well to surgery, radiation, or a combination, with survival times of one to several years. Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Miniature Schnauzers appear to be at higher risk, and the tumour is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged to older dogs.

No standardised staging system

Treatment decisions based on tumour location, size, MRI characteristics, neurological status, and whether presumptive or confirmed diagnosis.

Prognostic Factors(3)
Tumour locationConvexity meningiomas more amenable to surgical resection than skull base tumours
Treatment modalityRadiation therapy associated with significantly longer survival than surgery alone in a large comparative study (696 vs 297 days)(Geiger et al., 2025 (JVIM, PMID: 39968764))
Post-operative pneumonia riskBrain surgery carries a specific risk of aspiration pneumonia which affects short-term survival(Geiger et al., 2025 (JVIM, PMID: 39968764) — aspiration pneumonia identified as surgical risk)
Minimum Workup(6 steps)
1MRI of the brain (gold standard for diagnosis and surgical planning)
2CT if MRI not available
3Neurological examination
4Complete blood count and biochemistry
5Thoracic radiographs (to rule out metastatic disease to brain from elsewhere)
6CSF analysis if safe (risk of herniation with large mass)

Median Survival Time Comparison

How long the average patient survives with each treatment

Bar opacity reflects evidence strength
Surgical Resection (Craniotomy)
~10 mo (7–22)
Radiation Therapy (Definitive or Stereotactic)
~23 mo
Surgery + Post-Operative Radiation
~16.5 mo (3–58)
Palliative Management (Corticosteroids + Anti-Epileptics)
~3 mo (1–6)
Reading this page: MST (Median Survival Time) is how long the average patient survives with a given treatment. ORR (Overall Response Rate) is the percentage of patients whose tumour shrank or disappeared. CR = Complete Response (tumour gone); PR = Partial Response (tumour shrank). Hover over any abbreviation for a quick explanation.
Strength of Evidence

Each treatment is rated by how much published research supports its use. Solid bars indicate stronger evidence; dashed bars mean less certainty.

StrongLarge published studies with strong agreement among veterinary oncologists.
ModerateWidely used in clinical practice, but supported by smaller or retrospective studies.
IndirectEvidence comes from a different tumour type or species and has been applied here.
LimitedVery little published data is available for this specific treatment.

Please note: All treatment data is sourced from published peer-reviewed literature. Survival times and cost figures are approximate guides. Your pet's individual factors — including tumour grade, stage, and overall health — will influence outcomes and should guide all treatment decisions. The strength-of-evidence rating reflects how much research exists, not how strongly a treatment is recommended. This tool is designed to help you have informed conversations with your veterinary oncologist, not to replace them. Costs shown are US referral centre estimates and may vary significantly by region.