Urinary Bladder Cancer in Cats

Urinary Bladder Cancer in Cats

By: Dr. Jeffrey Philibert

Section: Information In-depth

Other diseases may cause symptoms similar to those of urinary bladder cancer. Examples include:

  • Bacterial lower urinary tract infection (UTI or cystitis). Bladder infections are relatively uncommon in cats but cause signs similar to those seen with bladder cancer. Bacterial cystitis is more common in females than males. Diagnosis is made by evaluating results of urinalysis and bacterial culture and sensitivity of the urine. Animals with bladder cancer can develop bacterial UTI because the bladder's natural defenses have been damaged, and bladder cancer should be considered in older cats that have repeated episodes of UTI or UTI that does not respond to appropriate antibiotic treatment.

  • Cystic calculi (bladder stones). Bladder stones are relatively common in cats and cause signs similar to those seen with bladder cancer.
    Bladder stones irritate the lining of the bladder blood in the urine, straining to urinate and increased frequency of urination.

  • Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC). This disorder is very common in cats. In male cats it can cause obstruction of the urethra with a mucoid-mineral plug which is a medical emergency. The symptoms of FIC can be similar to those of animals with bladder cancer. However bladder cancer is very rare in cats whereas FIC is the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in cats.

  • Benign tumors of the bladder. Polyps and other benign growths such as leiomyomas, which are benign tumors of smooth muscle, can occur in the bladder but are quite rare. Such masses may be removed by surgery and do not usually return.

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