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Brain Stem tumor

1K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  3 goldens 
#1 · (Edited)
I have a 12 yr old Golden, Erin who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain stem tumor. She got immediate relief from prednisone, but the side effects of diarrhea are really taking a toll. She was on Metronidazole for 10 days with a bland diet and that seemed to do the trick. Now, just one day off of the Metronidazole and she's back to being a mess even with the bland diet.

I'm trying to find other owners who have gone through this with a brainstem tumor, as this type does not cause seizures. They recommended radiation to shrink the tumor but she has to remain on the prednisone for all 20 treatments.
I think I could benefit from hearing someone else's experience with this.

Thanks in advance.
Hearbroken.
 
#3 ·
Steroids are wonderful things to relieve anything but not cure anything..
my pharmacist father is fond of saying that when he gets a chance. But to relieve the swelling that'd surely come from the radiation her tolerating it would be important. Tylan is a good drug to stop the stool issues. In some cases, far better than metronidiazole and it's easier tolerated long term (I am not a vet- but that's my experience).

The brain is a finely tuned instrument, it is such an amazing piece of anatomy-any little 'off' might throw the whole thing because it is so perfect in it's wholeness - I hope that she can get through this and you will have some more time with her...but if not, my advice would be to make memories now, so that you will have them to draw on and comfort you when she isn't there to give you the comfort I am sure she gives when you are sad. And know that you will miss her forever, whether she leaves now or later- her place in your life will leave a big hole, but that hole is a reflection of how big her presence was all these years. One day you will be able to remember her without sobbing but with a tear... I hope someone here will offer their brain tumor experience to you- but the reality is, most people never know their dog had a brain tumor. Euthanasia in the face of expensive diagnostics is the path typically taken, and many people do not do necropsies either so the pool of experienced dog people with knowledge of brain tumors is a small one.
 
#4 ·
I have no experience with this--bone cancer, lymphoma, hemangiosarcoms, but not this. I will say that I have had dogs on pred for different things and never had a problem. My hubby is on it for rheumatoid arthritis now.


I just want to send prayers and good thoughts for your sweet Erin and you.
 
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