Can an X-ray detect a brain tumor in my dog with behavior problems?

Question

My breeder wants me to have an xray for our dog because she had behavioural problems. She thinks the dog has a brain tumor. My vet says that an xray won't show a tumor, but that a mri or cat scan should be made. My breeder doesn't believe this and wants us to make an xray. Is it possible to make an xray and detect a brain tumor? Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 1 year and 11 months old | 75 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Your veterinarian is correct, the x-ray will likely not show a brain tumor. Dense materials, such as bone and metal, show up as white on an x-ray, while tissue is shows up in varying shades of gray. It would very hard to see a brain tumor on x-ray. An MRI or CT scan will show a brain tumor. MRIs can "see" through the bones of the skull to the tissue underneath, while a CT scan creates detailed images of the soft tissue of the body. I would listen to your veterinarian's recommendation, as they would be the expert on all aspects of veterinary medicine given they attended many years of vet school.

Can an X-ray detect a brain tumor in my dog with behavior problems?

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