Dog is thriving following radiotherapy for brain meningioma

Miah, a nine-year-old Labrador, has returned to full fitness following radiotherapy at our Hospital for Small Animals. 

Referral case

Miah’s owners noticed a sudden change in her mobility and coordination when she developed ataxia, intermittent lameness in her right forelimb, and a marked head tilt. 

Their vet referred Miah to a nearby veterinary hospital where CT scans identified a space-occupying intracranial extra-axial mass. The mass was 23mm in diameter, highly suggestive of a meningioma, with evidence of increased intracranial pressure and cerebellar herniation.

A second referral hospital with oncology expertise concluded that, given the tumour’s location, surgical resection was not feasible, and recommended radiotherapy. Miah was subsequently referred to the Riddell-Swann Veterinary Cancer Centre at the Hospital for Small Animals.

Miah’s owners highlighted the team’s technical expertise and the strong bond that formed between Miah and the team during her daily visits. They said Miah arrived enthusiastically for her therapy and spent time with the team between appointments, effectively treating treatment days as social visits. 

Miah was discharged after completing treatment, with plans for a three-month check scan. As tumour response can continue to evolve over the months following radiotherapy, Miah will remain under the care of the team for ongoing monitoring of her tumour. 

Miah’s owners report that she has had a marked functional improvement with her progressing from difficulty walking in a straight line to resuming high-energy play and “endless games of fetch”.