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My dog has a suspected brain tumor but improved, what are my options?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 11 years and 1 month old | 44 lbs

My vet told us that just by looking at my dog she probably has a brain tumour. He advised we put her down. But she has improved since abit then. what should I do? He gave us some pills called Prednisolone to give her every morning, is that the only reason she is better? is there really nothing that can be done? He recommended an MRI scan but we just don't have the money. Since she's improving should I still put her down this week or wait a little longer? Just want a second opinion. Thanks

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Catherine Stecyk

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2019

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm so sorry to hear that your veterinarian suspects that Sky has a brain tumor. There are some clinical signs/neurologic abnormalities that can increase suspicion for a brain tumor, such as abnormal behavior, circling when walking, seeming blind or staring off into space, seizures, etc. Advanced imaging such as a CT scan or an MRI would be the way to definitively diagnose a brain tumor. Prednisone is a common steroid medication with anti-inflammatory properties that can help decrease some of these clinical signs and make dogs feel better. Making the decision to euthanize a pet is never easy, and I'm sorry that you are faced with this right now. If Sky is improving, it is not wrong to delay her euthanasia. I recommend thinking about Sky's ability to do things she normally enjoys, and if she is still able to do a lot of those things, maybe it isn't time to euthanize just yet. I hope this is helpful - my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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