Definition:
Bladder cancer can occur in dogs. The most common type is transitional cell carcinoma, which typically arises inside the surface of the urethra or the walls of the urinary tract. This type of cancer accounts to .5% of all cancers in dogs.
Diagnosis:
Tests include assessment of medical history, physical examination, abdomen x-ray, complete blood cell count, serum biochemistry test, urinalysis, cytology exam, urethrocystoscopy, V-TBA, contrast dye x-ray test and abdominal ultrasound.
Treatment:
Surgery is used for small masses on “safe” tumor locations. However, most bladder tumors are found in parts of the bladder that may be dangerous or fatal when undergone surgery. Chemotherapy and NSAIDs therapy may be helpful in stabilizing the condition.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms include signs of exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, coughing, straining while defecating and urinating, blood in the urine and increased urination with small amounts of urine. These signs can be present months or a few years before diagnosis.
Causes:
The cause of bladder cancer in dogs is unknown, but cancer-causing chemicals excreted by dogs in the urine may cause the urethra and bladder to become cancerous. Exposure to insecticides and sprays for flea or tick killers may increase the risk of cancer in dogs.
