What should you know about glioblastoma in dogs?

A dog with a brain tumour may develop seizures, changes in behaviour, altered balance, circling, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty walking. These signs can also have other causes, so a symptom does not establish glioblastoma. The veterinarian may perform a neurological examination and recommend magnetic resonance imaging or another scan. Tissue obtained during surgery is the clearest way to identify tumour type, although the safest diagnostic route depends on the dog’s condition.

Age, general health, tumour location, neurological function, and the family’s goals all affect the care conversation. Veterinary oncology and neurology teams can explain what is known and what remains uncertain.

Arrange a prompt veterinary appointment for persistent or progressive neurological changes. Bring a record of seizure timing, duration, possible triggers, medication, appetite, and mobility. Depending on the findings, options may include seizure control, corticosteroids for brain swelling, brain tumour surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or comfort-focused care. Treatment should be tailored to the individual dog and reviewed as signs change.

Seek emergency veterinary care for a seizure that does not stop, repeated seizures without recovery, collapse, severe breathing difficulty, sudden inability to stand, or marked unresponsiveness. Call the veterinary team quickly after a new seizure or rapidly worsening balance or behaviour, even if the episode has ended.

Ask what other conditions could explain the signs, which scan is appropriate, whether referral is needed, how seizures will be managed, and how each treatment may affect comfort, movement, appetite, and daily routines.