NAVLE Nervous

Feline Nervous System Neoplasia Study Guide

Central nervous system (CNS) neoplasia represents an important differential diagnosis in cats presenting with neurological signs.

Overview and Clinical Importance

Central nervous system (CNS) neoplasia represents an important differential diagnosis in cats presenting with neurological signs. The incidence of primary CNS neoplasia in cats is approximately 3.5 per 100,000 cases, with approximately 2% of all feline neoplasms being intracranial. Primary brain tumors account for approximately 70% of all intracranial neoplasms in cats, making this a critical topic for the NAVLE examination.

Understanding the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and treatment options for feline CNS tumors is essential for veterinary practitioners. Cats with CNS neoplasia often present with subtle, slowly progressive clinical signs that can easily be overlooked until the disease is advanced.

Tumor Type Frequency Location Key Features
Meningioma 58-60% Extra-axial, supratentorial Most common; slow-growing; often surgically resectable
Lymphoma 14% Variable (extra/intra-axial) Associated with FeLV; may be primary or secondary
Pituitary Tumors 9% Sellar/parasellar Often functional (acromegaly); older cats
Gliomas 7-8% Intra-axial, supratentorial Astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, ependymoma

Classification of Feline CNS Neoplasms

CNS tumors in cats can be classified based on their origin (primary vs. secondary), anatomic location (intracranial vs. spinal), and relationship to neural tissue (extra-axial vs. intra-axial).

You've been studying hard

Create a free account to keep reading

Free accounts get 5 articles/day + daily practice question

Join vet students already studying with NavleExam.

No credit card needed — free account takes 30 seconds.

Create Free Account — Keep Reading Already have an account? Log in
or skip signup — just get daily questions

No spam. One question per day. Unsubscribe anytime.

Free NAVLE exam50 questions

Take the free NAVLE practice exam

50 exam-style questions across the NAVLE species. See your score as soon as you finish, then get the full answer key with explanations by email. No payment, no account.

Start the free exam →

NAVLE Exam Prep Platform

Everything you need to pass the NAVLE

✓
8,100+ Practice Questions
Exam-style with full explanations
✓
NAVLE Mock Exams
Exam-style, with full explanations
✓
Flashcard Mode
Species & topic quick review
✓
High Yield Question Packs
Blueprint-weighted, most-tested topics
Start free trial → See Plans & Pricing No credit card required to start