What Boston Terrier Owners Need to Know About Canine Glioma

Canine glioma is a type of brain tumour that is particularly common among brachycephalic dogs—those with flat faces—such as the Boston terrier, Boxer, and French bulldog. Around half of all glioma cases in dogs occur within these breeds, likely due to the skull and brain structure differences characteristic of brachycephalic conformation.

For Boston terrier owners and others with flat-faced dogs, understanding the nature of glioma, recognising its symptoms early, and knowing available treatment options empowers responsible ownership and timely veterinary intervention.

What is a Glioma?

A glioma is a tumour forming within the brain tissue. These tumours can vary greatly in severity and growth rate, ranging from slow-growing and benign to aggressive and malignant. They commonly develop in areas such as the temporal or frontal lobes of the brain.

Gliomas are not unique to dogs; they occur similarly in people, following comparable disease progressions. In dogs, gliomas are the second most common type of malignant brain tumour.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

Although any dog can develop a glioma, brachycephalic breeds are most prone. The characteristic skull shape and shortened muzzles may alter normal brain structure or oxygenation, contributing to tumour development. Research is ongoing to better understand this breed-specific susceptibility.

Age and Glioma Development

Gliomas typically appear in mature or older dogs. While rare, dogs under five years rarely get diagnosed, with risk increasing significantly after seven years of age. Older brachycephalic dogs especially should have attentive monitoring for neurological symptoms.

Recognising the Symptoms

Glioma symptoms can be subtle and varied, sometimes mimicking other conditions. They usually do not present with obvious pain but may include behavioural changes, erratic movements like pacing or circling, head tilting, unsteady gait, head pressing (learn about head pressing in dogs), seizures, and appetite changes.

Diagnosis and Veterinary Assessment

Diagnosing glioma involves comprehensive veterinary evaluation including physical exams, detailed health history discussions, and advanced imaging such as MRI scans. These technologies help predict tumour type and grade before confirming diagnosis via tissue analysis after surgery whenever possible.

Treatment Options and Prognosis

Treatment may include surgery to remove the tumour, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, aiming to improve quality of life and extend survival. Early diagnosis improves the chances of successful intervention.

When curative treatment is not viable, palliative care focused on comfort and symptom relief is essential. This can include anti-inflammatory drugs, seizure control, and pain management.

Current Veterinary Insights (2025)

Recent UK veterinary research highlights that brachycephalic breeds might face unique challenges in glioma treatment due to genetic and epigenetic factors related to their conformation. Surgical and radiotherapy approaches have shown improved survival compared to palliative care alone, but personalised treatment plans are increasingly recognised as important.

Collaboration among veterinary professionals is ongoing to better understand glioma in these breeds, aiming to develop breed-specific strategies and improve outcomes.

Responsible Ownership and Health Monitoring

Boston terrier and flat-faced dog owners should maintain regular veterinary check-ups, observe behavioural or neurological changes promptly, and consult their vet early if any signs of glioma arise. Early recognition and intervention are key to managing this challenging condition.

Adopting dogs from reputable breeders who prioritise health and conformation integrity also supports long-term wellbeing in brachycephalic breeds.

Awareness and informed care empower owners to provide the best quality of life for their beloved pets facing this condition.