txt-vet-approved-articles.jpg Search All Articles

Urinary Bladder Cancer in Dogs
By: Dr. Jeffrey Philibert

Section: Overview

The most common bladder tumor in dogs is a malignant tumor called transitional cell carcinoma. This cancer usually arises from the inside surface of the urinary bladder or urethra and less commonly from the muscular wall of the urinary tract. Transitional cell carcinoma accounts for 0.5 percent of all cancers in dogs.

The cause of transitional cell carcinoma is unknown, but carcinogens, or cancer causing chemicals, that are excreted in the urine may cause the cells that line the bladder and urethra to become cancerous. Exposure to insecticide dips applied to kill fleas and ticks may increase the risk of developing this type of cancer. Similarly, exposure to sprays used to control mosquitoes in marshy or wetland areas also may increase risk.

Cyclophosphamide, a drug used to treat cancer and certain immune diseases, is metabolized to a carcinogenic chemical called acrolein, which is excreted in the urine. Exposure to cyclophosphamide may increase a pet's risk for development of urinary bladder cancer.

Breeds predisposed or reported to be at a higher risk for bladder cancer include Shetland sheepdogs, Scottish terriers, West Highland white terriers, beagles and wirehaired fox terriers.

Female dogs are affected more commonly than males. Neutered dogs are at a higher risk than are intact dogs. Obesity also may predispose to development of this type of cancer.

Urinary bladder cancer is life-threatening. Left untreated, it can result in obstruction of the urinary tract and inability to urinate. This form of cancer can also metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body. At the time of diagnosis, transitional cell carcinoma is estimated to have spread in more than 50 percent of dogs in which it is diagnosed. Survival of dogs with this type of cancer is dependent on the location of the tumor in the bladder, extent of disease and whether it has metastasized, and what treatments are prescribed. Survival time can range from weeks to more than a year.

What to Watch For

  • Blood in the urine
  • Straining to urinate
  • Increased frequency of urination with passage of small amounts of urine
  • Straining while defecating
  • Signs of exercise intolerance
  • Difficulty breathing or coughing

    In many cases, these signs can be present for many months before diagnosis. If your pet is showing any of these signs and does not seem to be getting better with treatment, additional tests should be done to rule out cancer as the cause.


  • Page(s) 1 2 3 4 5

    Related Articles

    Search Over 15.000 Vet Approved Articles

    Top 10 Dogs Topics

    1 Dog Health

    2 Puppies

    3 Dog Breeds

    4 Adult Dogs

    5 Senior Dogs

    6 Dog Training

    7 Dog Adoption

    8 Pictures of Dogs

    9 Dog Videos

    10 Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

    Pet Photos

    Friendly Dogs


    » View Slideshow

    Cute Puppies


    » View Slideshow

    Cute Dogs


    » View Slideshow

     

    Additional Resources

    If you found this article useful, sign up for free exclusive access to useful pet information, health tips, photos and more, delivered right to your inbox. Just fill out the form below:
    I have a Dog - I have a Cat Instant Access We respect your privacy. Privacy Policy
    Thank you for joining. You should be receiving an email from us in a few minutes.