What are the common symptoms of meningioma in dogs and cats?

Common signs include behavioral and mental status changes, decreased activity, reduced appetite, recurrent seizures, and unsteady gait. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary evaluation promptly.

How does a vet confirm a meningioma diagnosis?

Diagnosis relies primarily on imaging, with MRI being the key tool for locating brain lesions. Blood tests and tissue biopsy may be added when needed to confirm the diagnosis. Consult a veterinary specialist for guidance.

What treatment options are available for meningioma?

Treatment options include surgical removal, radiation therapy, or other oncological approaches. Suitability is assessed and discussed with a veterinary oncology and neurosurgery team.

What follow-up care is needed after treatment or surgery?

Regular imaging follow-up (MRI/CT), neurological function checks, and symptom monitoring are typically required. Follow your specialist's recommendations for scheduled rechecks and rehabilitation.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Meningioma in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, MRI Diagnosis & Treatment Guide [2025]

Meningioma is one of the most common brain tumors in pets, occurring more frequently in cats than dogs. Surgical removal often yields good outcomes, and cats generally have a better prognosis than dogs.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, AVMA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek emergency care immediately

•Continuous seizures that cannot be stopped
•Sudden collapse or brief loss of consciousness
•Slowed breathing or obvious respiratory distress

Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Intermittent seizures that resolve on their own but recur repeatedly
•Noticeably depressed mentation and reduced activity
•Unsteady gait or repeated falling

01What Symptoms Indicate a Problem?

Meningioma commonly presents with neurological behavioral changes or seizures; symptoms correlate with the location and size of the lesion.

Changes in mental status: lethargy, withdrawal, or reduced responsiveness to people and surroundings
Significant drop in activity — less interest in play or walks
Loss of appetite or refusal to eat for more than one day
Recurrent seizures or brief convulsive episodes, followed by disorientation
Abnormal or unsteady gait, resembling hemiplegia or one-sided weakness
Frequent shaking or persistent tremors, especially when accompanied by other neurological signs

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Continuous seizures that cannot be stopped
⚠️ Sudden collapse or brief loss of consciousness
⚠️ Slowed breathing or obvious respiratory distress

02How to Assess Abnormalities at Home? Key Observations and Emergency Warning Signs

Keeping a record of key changes at home helps your vet make a faster assessment — collect timestamps and video footage whenever possible.

Note the time symptoms first appeared and how they have progressed
Use your phone to record videos of seizures, abnormal gait, or loss of balance
Observe and log changes in appetite, water intake, and elimination habits
Record the frequency and duration of any shaking or tremors
List recent medications, supplements, or potential toxin exposures
Contact your vet or arrange a specialist referral immediately if symptoms worsen

03How Will the Vet Diagnose This? Common Diagnostic Tests

At the clinic, the vet will integrate a physical exam, blood work, and imaging to assess lesion location and overall health.

Physical and neurological examination

assessing cranial nerve function and reflexes

Blood tests

checking for infection, metabolic abnormalities, or organ dysfunction

X-rays

to help rule out skull or thoracic issues

CT (computed tomography)

rapid evaluation of brain structure and calcified lesions

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

precise localization of brain lesions and assessment of invasion

Tissue biopsy (if needed) to confirm the pathological diagnosis

Referral to a hospital with MRI capability and a veterinary oncology or neurology team is recommended

04What Treatment and Care Are Needed After Diagnosis? Medications, Diet & Care Guide

Treatment requires individualized assessment. Common strategies include decompression, surgery, and radiation therapy, with an emphasis on long-term monitoring and quality of life.

Corticosteroids can temporarily relieve intracranial pressure symptoms; follow-up dose adjustments are needed
Surgical removal is considered based on lesion location and risk assessment
Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be evaluated by the oncology team if appropriate
Regular imaging follow-up (MRI/CT) to monitor lesion changes and recurrence risk
Medication, nutritional support, and environmental modifications to maintain quality of life
Bring imaging reports to each follow-up visit and discuss the monitoring plan with your specialist

05What Should You Prepare Before the Vet Visit? Key Steps to Help Your Vet Diagnose Quickly

Prepare a timeline of when symptoms first appeared and how they have changed

Bring phone videos of seizures, abnormal walking, or falls

Compile specific observations about appetite, water intake, and elimination habits

List all current medications and supplements your pet is taking

Bring any previous imaging results or medical records if available

Call ahead to confirm whether the clinic has MRI facilities and a specialist neurology or oncology team

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.