Our Chi Pug mix (a 12-13 year-old rescue that we got about five years ago) began exhibiting signs of a tumor or brain inflammation (encephalitis, etc.) a few weeks ago (circling, blindness, problems with her hind legs). A vet neurologist recommended an MRI and spinal tap to determine whether its a tumor or encephalitis (for $2600). From what I can determine the treatment for a tumor (if it's operable) is surgery followed by radiation (five days a week for a month or so, each treatment requiring anesthesia). I'm not sure she could even survive this at her age, and it appears that surgery/radiation can only extends the dog's life for another 6-8 months or so (on average). Is this true? I've seen estimates of 12-25K for the surgery and radiation. What experiences have the rest of you had? What kind of quality of life would she have? She's on prednisone now and I'm inclined to keep her on it for a few weeks to see if she improves. If she improves significantly is it more likely that she has encephalitis vs. a tumor? The treatment for encephalitis is prednisone and some other meds. vs. surgery and I really don't want to put her through the surgery.
p.s. I posted this in another thread but realized it probably makes more sense as a new question...
