Are you concerned about the possibility of bladder cancer in your dog? Bladder cancer in dogs can be caused by genetic predisposition, exposure to chemicals and chemotherapeutic agents, or other environmental factors. Symptoms of bladder cancer in dogs include blood in the urine, increased frequency of urination, and painful urination. Most bladder cancers are malignant, meaning they can spread to other parts of the body. Treatment for bladder cancer in dogs typically includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
What causes bladder cancer in dogs?
Some chemicals (like insecticides, herbicides, and household cleaning chemicals), as well as chemotherapeutic agents (cyclophosphamide), may increase the risk for bladder cancer in dogs.
Some breeds of dogs are more likely to get bladder cancer. This suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disease. Breeds that are predisposed to bladder cancer include Scottish terrier, West Highland white terrier, fox terrier, beagle, Shetland sheepdog, American Eskimo, keeshond, dalmatian, and Chesapeake Bay retriever. Additionally, older dogs are more commonly affected.
What are the clinical symptoms of bladder cancer in dogs?
Clinical symptoms of bladder cancer in dogs can vary depending on the stage of the disease.
In the early stages, bladder cancer may cause no symptoms at all. As cancer grows, it may begin to cause blood in the urine, urinary urgency or frequency, and pain during urination. If cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it may cause weight loss, lethargy, and appetite loss. A dog with bladder cancer may also have difficulty defecating.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it's important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for a diagnosis. Early detection is critical for the successful treatment of bladder cancer in dogs.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed in dogs?
Bladder cancer in dogs is typically diagnosed using a combination of diagnostic tests including physical examination, urinalysis, radiographs, and ultrasonography. A complete blood count may also be performed to check for anemia and to evaluate the dog's general health. A biochemistry profile may be done to check kidney and liver parameters.
Urinalysis is often the first test performed when bladder cancer is suspected. It can help to determine if there are abnormal cells in the urine, as well as the presence of blood or protein. Physical examination may reveal a mass in the abdomen, and radiographs can help to determine if there are any abnormalities in the bladder. Ultrasonography can also be used to diagnose bladder cancer, and can often provide more information about the size and location of a tumor.
Other less commonly used tests but very beneficial and diagnostic are cystoscopy and contrast radiology. Cystoscopy is a procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. This allows the veterinarian to directly visualize any tumors present. Contrast radiology is a type of X-ray in which dye is injected into the bladder to help make any tumors more visible.
What are the treatment options for bladder cancer in dogs?
Surgery
Cancer of the urinary bladder in dogs is usually treated without surgery. However, if there is a large mass that is far from the urethral opening, surgery may be considered. Surgery isn't usually recommended as the only treatment because there is a high risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body during the procedure.
Chemotherapy
If your dog has bladder cancer, there are several chemotherapeutic protocols that can help. Often, the best results come from using multiple treatment protocols over time.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs have anti-tumor properties against some forms of bladder cancer in dogs. Drugs such as piroxicam may be used to treat bladder cancer on its own or in combination with traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Studies have shown that piroxicam is effective at treating bladder cancer, but other NSAIDs may also work well.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is not commonly used to treat bladder cancer in dogs, because there is a lack of proven efficacy and it can cause harmful side effects like chronic colitis, inflammation, rectal perforation, and strictures.
What is the prognosis for dogs with bladder cancer?
The prognosis for bladder cancer in dogs varies depending on the location of the tumor and how aggressive the treatment is. With no treatment, most dogs are euthanized within a few months due to the progression of symptoms. With treatment, the median survival time for bladder cancer in dogs varies from 6 to 12 months.
Bladder cancer in dogs is a serious disease that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics and exposure to chemicals. Symptoms include blood in the urine, increased frequency of urination, pain while urinating, and difficulty defecating. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it's important to contact your veterinarian for a diagnosis so that a treatment plan can be promptly started. If you have any further questions about bladder cancer in dogs, please don't hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. They're here to help!