Bladder Cancer In Dogs – What To Expect
Introduction
Bladder cancer is rare in dogs and usually takes the form of a tumor on the lining of the bladder. These tumors are known as transitional cell carcinomas (TCC). This form of cancer can be aggressive and can spread to other areas of the dog’s body.
This article is devoted to helping you as a dog owner spot the symptoms of bladder cancer. We will also explain the causes and outline the treatments that can be used.
What are the causes of bladder cancer?
There is no clear, concise answer to what causes bladder cancer. Experts suggest that there are several possible causes. These include:
Hereditary factors. Some breeds of dog are more susceptible to bladder cancer than others. These include Scottish Terriers, Beagles, Airedales, West Highland Terriers, Wire Hair Fox Terriers, and Shetland Sheepdogs. This suggests that there may be a genetic factor involved.
Gender. It is not known why, but female dogs stand a higher risk of developing bladder cancer than male dogs.
Obesity. Some breeds of dogs – terriers particularly – that are overweight are more prone to bladder cancer.
Neutering. There is a much higher risk of bladder cancer developing in neutered male dogs than in those that are not.
Pesticides and Herbicides. Both of these products contain ingredients that raise the risk of bladder cancer in dogs exposed to them. It is known, for example, that herbicides used to treat lawns can lead to a higher risk of cancer.
Cyclophosphamide. This is a drug used in chemotherapy. In cases where a dog has previously had cancer and has been treated with this drug, then the risk of bladder cancer in the future is raised.
Symptoms of dog bladder cancer
One problem with almost all cancers is that they are very hard to detect in the early stages. Often no symptoms will show or the few that do show are similar to the symptoms of other illnesses. Bladder cancer is just the same, and the cancer may be well advanced before any symptoms can be detected.
The symptoms to look out for are:
Traces of blood in the dog’s urine. We don’t usually check our dog’s urine when it has a pee. It is likely you will only notice it by chance. When any of the other symptoms show, be sure to check the urine for blood at that stage.
Straining to pee. You may notice that your dog is making an effort to urinate.
Frequent small amounts of urine. Should your dog pee often and then only in tiny amounts, this may be a sign of a problem. Male dogs particularly mark territory in this way, so watch for other signs of a problem.
Incontinence. When your dog doesn’t finish urinating properly and urine continues to dribble, then something is wrong.
Bladder infections. Repeated bladder infections can be a sign that your dog has cancer. Ask your vet to check for cancer if your dog is getting these infections frequently.
Loss of appetite. When cancer becomes established your dog will begin to show signs that are common to all cancers. Loss of appetite is an important symptom to note.
Lethargy. Your dog will also become much less active and show no interest in playing or walking.
Pain. A large tumor in the bladder will cause pressure in your dog’s abdomen. This in turn will lead to pain and discomfort. A dog in pain is a distressing sight to see.
Constipation. Depending on where in the bladder the tumor has grown, one symptom might be constipation. Watch your dog to see if it is having trouble when trying to defecate.
Coughing. If your dog begins to cough often, then there is a possibility that the cancer has spread to its lungs.
Failure to urinate at all. At a very advanced stage the tumor may be so large that it blocks the bladder and prevents any urine from being expelled. Your dog will be in pain and may simple collapse.
Diagnosis of Dog Bladder Cancer
As the signs of bladder cancer are the same as the signs of other bladder problems in the early stages your vet will want to test carefully. Your vet will run a blood count, create a biochemistry profile, and analyse your dog’s urine. Bladder infections can then be ruled out.
The next step is for your vet to carry out a biopsy. This will involve the removal of a small piece of bladder tissue for analysis. A biopsy will give a completely accurate diagnosis.
Following the biopsy the next task is to establish the stage that the cancer has reached. There are four stages:
Stage 0 and Stage 1. These are the earliest stages and it is unusual to get a diagnosis this early. The few symptoms your dog will show – if any – will be slight and probably not raise any suspicions.
Stage 2 and Stage 3. By this stage there will be blood in your dog’s urine, it will find peeing difficult and the cancer will have spread across most of the bladder.
Stage 4. By the time Stage 4 is reached, the cancer will have spread into other areas of your dog’s body.
Treatment of Dog Bladder Cancer
There are three possible approaches to treatment. The most common treatment is chemotherapy using the drugs piroxicam and mitoxantrone . Alternatively only one drug – most often piroxicam – is used. Both treatments can extend your dog’s life.
Surgery for bladder cancer is difficult and fraught with danger. The position of the tumor can mean accessing it requires complex surgery and then all the cancer may not be removed. If early detection has been possible, then removing the tumor completely gives your dog the best chance of survival.
Radiation is the third possible treatment but again this carries dangers with it. Your dog’s bladder might be damaged by the radiation, and other organs nearby in the body may also be affected.
How to care for a dog with Bladder Cancer
Being diagnosed with bladder cancer will mean your dog’s life has been shortened. While chemotherapy will add a few months or maybe a year it can only delay the inevitable. It is important therefore to give your pet the best care you can at the end of its life. Here are some tips on care:
Make sure your dog has a plentiful supply of clean water available at all times.
Give your dog moist food rather than dry.
Don’t over-exercise your dog. Easy walks and quiet play is best. Keep an eye on your dog’s toilet habits for any changes.
Avoid accidents in the home by using special dog diapers.
Your dog will have good and bad days. Keep track of food and drink consumed each day to help your vet monitor your dog’s progress.
Most of all give your dog all the love and attention he or she deserves after the lifetime of loyalty they have shown you. Don’t let your dog pick up on your distress – dogs are surprisingly aware of their owner’s moods.
