Urinary Bladder Tumors
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Our guide has been authored by qualified veterinarians, but should not be taken as substitute for medical advice or professional veterinary consultation. If your pet displays any unusual symptoms, we strongly advise seeking guidance from a veterinarian
Understanding Urinary Bladder Tumors in dogs
Bladder tumors are the most common tumors in dogs’ urinary system. Most of these tumors are Transitional Cell Carcinomas (TCC), originating from the bladder lining. A small percentage stems from other tissues, such as muscle tissue leiomyosarcoma or immune cell lymphoma. Bladder tumors are invasive and malignant, causing significant local damage to the urinary tissues, and may metastasize to other parts of the dog’s body.
Betty's story
Betty was a lovable 12-year-old Labrador. One morning, her owners woke up to find that she had peed several times in the kitchen overnight, which was highly unusual for her. Also, her urine was darker than usual. At the vet, Betty showed signs of pain during an abdominal exam, and an ultrasound revealed that her bladder wall was thickened and irregular. So, Betty underwent a cystoscopic exam under anesthesia, and the biopsy results confirmed she had TCC in her bladder. Unfortunately, the tumor had already spread, making surgery impossible, so Betty began treatment with anti-inflammatory medications and chemotherapy. Thankfully, she responded very well to treatment and remained energetic for about a year, until she passed away of natural causes at age 13.
Urinary Bladder Tumors's Causes: Uncovering Triggers
Several factors increase the risk of bladder tumors in dogs:
- Sex: This condition is more common in females.
- Age: Tumors typically occur in older female dogs.
- Genetics: Certain breeds are significantly more prone to this condition.
- Obesity: Excess fat cells are an additional risk factor.
- Environmental factors: Certain outdated pesticides, such as anti-flea powders, exposure to contaminated water, and even secondhand smoke from owners.
Recognizing Urinary Bladder Tumors: Signs and Symptoms
- Blood in the urine: throughout or during parts of the urination.
- Increased frequency and difficulty controlling urine
- Small amounts of urine
- Signs of difficulty during urination: sometimes leading to blockage.
- Whining or crying while urinating
The above early signs are all urinary-related. As the disease progresses, however, additional signs unrelated to the urinalysis tract may appear. The following signs may also indicate metastasis: weight loss and an overall physical decline, rapid, labored breathing, and weakness and loss of energy.
Urinary Bladder Tumors Diagnosis: How it's Identified
The above-mentioned urinary issues aren’t specific to tumors, and vets often initially suspect common problems like UTIs or bladder stones. This makes the following diagnostic steps a must, progressing in invasiveness as needed:
- The first and most crucial step is a urine test, which is essential for two reasons: in rare cases, it might detect tumor cells and confirm the diagnosis, and more commonly, it reveals bacterial infections that might require further treatment. Molecular marker test kits also enable early and reliable tumor detection.
- The next stage is an ultrasound imaging test that can reveal abnormal bladder tissue and rule out bladder stones and other conditions. Ultrasound can also be used when sampling the bladder wall, but this method is considered controversial as it may seed tumor cells along the needle track.
- In some cases, more invasive procedures under anesthesia may be necessary to obtain tissue samples and reach a clear diagnosis. This involves inserting a catheter into the bladder or a cystoscopy, a test involving a tiny camera used to visualize the bladder and collect samples.
- Once a bladder tumor is diagnosed, additional tests help evaluate the dog’s overall condition and check for metastasis. These may include comprehensive blood tests, abdominal ultrasounds, chest X-rays, and CT scans.
Treating Urinary Bladder Tumors: Options and Approaches
- The most common and accessible treatment for TCC is NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce pain and inflammation and slow the division of carcinoma cells, improving quality of life and life expectancy.
- Aggressive chemotherapy combined with NSAIDs can further extend the dog’s life expectancy.
- Painkillers may be prescribed as needed.
- Antibiotics to treat secondary urinary infections.
- Surgery is only an option in specific cases where the tumor is localized and isn’t in the bladder’s sensitive trigone area. Unfortunately, most bladder cancers in dogs do not meet these criteria.
- Radiotherapy may help shrink certain bladder tumors and their metastases.
- Urinary catheterization is inserted to relieve urinary obstruction or difficulty urinating.
Urinary Bladder Tumors: Surprising Facts
Bladder tumors account for only about 2% of all cancer cases in dogs, and TCC is diagnosed in approximately 75% of these cases.
Dogs diagnosed with this condition typically live for around nine months to a year. Some dogs respond exceptionally well to treatment and live high-quality lives for several more years, while, in advanced cases, especially those with metastases, life expectancy may be as short as 2-3 months.
TCC cancer cells have receptors for an enzyme called COX, which isn’t typically present in normal bladder cells and is the enzyme NSAIDs target, helping to control pain and, in some cases, contributing to significant tumor regression.
Vet's Tip: Dealing with Urinary Bladder Tumors
NSAIDs are considered effective anti-inflammatory medications, administered as pills or syrups that can easily be purchased. However, keep in mind that these medications have significant side effects affecting the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and liver, especially with long-term use. For this reason, we often recommend pairing them with acid-reducing medications to prevent ulcers. It’s also recommended to conduct periodic blood tests during treatment and to keep an eye out for warning signs like bloody stools or unusually excessive drinking.
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Latest in Research and Treatments
The rising trend in this area is BRAF- a molecular marker of a specific, unique protein expressed by tumor cells, which newly available kits can easily detect in a standard urine sample. This method reduces the need for invasive procedures and offers an easy path toward a clear diagnosis at a relatively early stage. At-risk breeds can add this test to their routine checkups once they reach a certain age. Recent studies also show that targeted biological therapies can be developed to attack this protein, potentially eliminating tumor cells more precisely and effectively.
We also see significant advancements in radiation treatments, which are becoming much safer and more precise. Thanks to a combination of advanced imaging technologies, such as CT scans, we can target the tumor tissue and treat metastases with minimal damage to healthy tissue.
dogs breeds Prone to Urinary Bladder Tumors
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