Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography perfusion parameters of canine suspected brain tumors at baseline and during radiotherapy might be different depending on tumor location but not associated with survival

IntroductionTreatment of brain tumors in dogs can be associated with significant morbidity and reliable prognostic factors are lacking. Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCECT) can be used to assess tumor perfusion. The objectives of this study were to assess perfusion parameters and change in size of suspected brain tumors before and during radiotherapy (RT) depending on their location and find a potential correlation with survival.MethodsSeventeen client-owned dogs with suspected brain tumors were prospectively recruited. All dogs had a baseline DCECT to assess mass size, blood volume (BV), blood flow (BF), and transit time (TT). Twelve dogs had a repeat DCECT after 12 Gy of megavoltage RT. Survival times were calculated.ResultsIntra-axial masses had lower BF (p = 0.005) and BV (p