The “meninges” are the membranes that line the skull and vertebral column, effectively surrounding the central nervous system which consists of the brain and spinal cord. Meningioma is the tumor that arises from meninges.
The protective membranes (meninges) actually consist of three layers: the dura mater (outer layer), arachnoid mater (middle layer) and the pida mater (inner layer). A meningioma actually grows from the cells that form the middle layer but attach to the dura mater.
These tumors compress adjacent tissues and may lead to swelling in the affected regions. All breeds are at risk of meningioma, but it is usually seen in dogs older than seven years of age.
Symptoms most often associated with brain tumors are personality changes such as
Not wanting to play
Altered appetite
Sleeping and hiding
Seizures
Weakness in the limbs
Uncoordinated walking
Abnormal eye/facial symmetry
Visual deficits
Neck or back pain
Meningiomas may be quite large before they cause symptoms. Symptoms may be caused by swelling and edema, which is a build-up of fluid around the tumor.
