Effect of radiotherapy on freedom from seizures in dogs with brain tumors

Abstract

Background: Seizures are a common presenting sign in dogs with brain tumors. Hypothesis/Objectives: To investigate the effect of radiotherapy on freedom from brain tumor-associated seizures and survival time in dogs. Animals: Thirty-two client-owned dogs with brain tumor-associated seizures; 18 received medical treatment and radiotherapy, 14 received medical treatment alone. Methods: Multicenter retrospective study. Baseline characteristics (seizure semiology, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] characteristics, and treatment) and duration of seizure freedom were recorded for the 2 treatment groups. Duration of seizure freedom between groups was compared (log-rank test) using Cox's proportional hazard analysis, with baseline characteristics entered as covariates. Results: The duration of seizure freedom and survival time were significantly longer in the radiotherapy group (P