Bladder Cancer (Transitional Cell Carcinoma) in Dogs and Cats

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)

The most common type of bladder cancer in dogs, arising from the transitional cells that line the urinary tract. It’s an aggressive cancer that tends to invade the bladder wall and can spread to nearby organs. Scottish Terriers carry a dramatically elevated risk compared to other breeds, along with Shetland Sheepdogs, Beagles, West Highland White Terriers, and Wire Hair Fox Terriers.

Symptoms

Blood in the urine
Straining to urinate, or urinating small amounts frequently
Painful urination
Reduced urine stream or difficulty urinating as the tumor grows
Symptoms closely resemble a urinary tract infection or bladder stones, so they’re often initially treated as such

Causes

Strong genetic predisposition, especially in Scottish Terriers, who face roughly an 18- to 20-fold higher risk than other breeds
Environmental exposure to older-generation flea and tick insecticidal dips
Exposure to certain lawn herbicides and pesticides
Obesity appears to compound risk, especially in female dogs exposed to insecticides
Interestingly, Scotties who eat vegetables regularly appear to have a notably reduced risk

Treatments

Surgery is often not an option in dogs, since the tumor commonly forms at the neck of the bladder
Chemotherapy and anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications, sometimes used together, to slow tumor growth and manage symptoms
Treatment is usually palliative rather than curative, focused on comfort and quality of life
Regular monitoring via urinalysis, ultrasound, and staging tests once diagnoseds

This condition is common in the following Dogs & Cats

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