Understanding Dog Bladder Cancer

Dog bladder cancer, also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), is the most common form of dog bladder cancer. Almost 20% of dogs with bladder cancer will have metastases by the time they are diagnosed.

While there is no cure for bladder cancer in dogs, a complementary treatment approach including conventional veterinary therapies (chemotherapy, radiation, anti-inflammatory medications), diet changes and immune support supplements, can give your dog the support he needs to live well for a longer period of time.

If your dog has symptoms of bladder cancer, which are very similar to urinary tract infections, it is very important to see a veterinarian for diagnosis.

What Is Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC)?

The most common form of bladder cancer in dogs is transitional cell carcinoma. TCC accounts for almost 95% of dog bladder cancer cases. TCC tumors grow in the bladder lining. They can also appear in the kidney, ureters and urethra. Canine TCC can spread to the lymph nodes and other organs. It is generally considered to be an invasive form of cancer.

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is a tumor of the cells in the urinary bladder lining. Tumors usually form at the bladder opening and can cause blockage, resulting in painful urination. Dogs often strain while trying to urinate. TCC can be difficult to diagnose in dogs because many of the symptoms, such as straining to urinate, blood in the urine or frequent urination, are similar to those seen in dogs that have a urinary tract infection.

This can delay the discovery of the dog's cancer, especially since antibiotics can often result in some improvement of symptoms. Thus, at the time of diagnosis, canine bladder cancer can be fairly far advanced and have spread to other parts of the body.

Other less common types of bladder tumors may include leiomyosarcomas (arise from muscle in the bladder wall) and soft tissue tumors, such as fibrosarcoma that originate from the connective tissue.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer in Dogs

• Straining to urinate
• Frequent urination of small amounts (dribbling)
• Blood in urine
• Pain in urinating
• Wetting on the floor, furniture, bed, etc.
• Frequent Urinary Tract Infections (may initially respond to antibiotics)

How Is Dog Bladder Cancer Diagnosed?

Since benign tumors, bladder infections or stones can cause similar symptoms to bladder cancer, a combination of tests are used for diagnosis.

Similar to other types of cancer, testing for bladder cancer may include:

• Urinalysis - Analysis of a urine sample to check for the presence of blood, infection, or abnormal cells.
• Urine sediment cytology & bladder tumor antigen testing
• Imaging Studies - X-rays or ultrasound may be performed to visualize the urinary system and look for abnormalities such as tumors or thickened bladder walls.
• Cystoscopy - This procedure involves inserting a thin tube with a camera into the bladder to directly visualize any tumors or abnormalities.
• Biopsy - A tissue sample may be obtained through a urinary catheter, cystoscopy or surgery for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.

Complete diagnostic testing can help your vet or veterinary oncologist determine what treatment options may be helpful for your pet.

Treatment Options For Canine Bladder Cancer

Surgical removal of bladder tumors can be done if the tumor is not located at the trigone (or neck) area of the bladder. This is relatively uncommon as most TCC in dogs is invasive into the bladder neck and wall.

Most cases of TCC are treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as piroxicam, Previcox or Deramaxx.

Holistic treatments for dog bladder cancer can be combined with most conventional veterinary options. Adding natural immune support supplements, such as medicinal mushrooms, curcumin, plant sterols and fish oil, can help your dog feel more comfortable and provide necessary support for your dog's immune system. Simple diet changes can help to reduce inflammation in the bladder and urinary tract. At Ask Ariel, we will include FREE dog bladder cancer diet tips on the packing slip that comes with your order.

How Long Can A Dog Live With Bladder Cancer?

The life expectancy of dogs diagnosed with TCC will depend on the location and aggressiveness of the tumor and if the cancer has metastasized to other organs. The average survival time for dogs with bladder cancer that receive no treatment is about 4-6 months. Using multiple treatment protocols can increase survival time. Dogs that are diagnosed early and receive more than one therapy can live over 2 years.

Whether your dog is a candidate for surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or no conventional veterinary treatments, supportive care using a dog bladder cancer diet and holistic cancer supplements for dogs can improve the quality of life for your pet and, often, the quantity of time as well.

Which Pets Have A Higher Risk Of Developing Bladder Cancer?

The exact cause of TCC in dogs is unknown. However, there are certain factors that may increase the risk of developing this type of cancer, including:

• Breed Predisposition: Certain breeds, including Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Beagles and Wirehaired Fox Terriers are more prone to developing TCC.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as certain herbicides or insecticides, may increase the risk of TCC.
• Age and Gender: TCC typically affects older dogs, with a peak incidence around 9 to 10 years of age. Female dogs are generally more commonly affected than males.

While TCC is rarer in cats, it can occur in both males and females over the age of nine. No specific breed of cat shows a higher predisposition to the disease.

Recommended Diet For Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma

In addition to using conventional cancer treatments, it is very important to change your dog's diet to an anti-inflammatory, low-allergen and low-carbohydrate diet. Grains, starchy carbohydrates and food allergens can weaken immunity and contribute to long-term inflammation.

A recent research study showed that Scottish terriers that ate green leafy vegetables and yellow-orange vegetables at least three times a week had a significantly reduced risk of developing TCC*. Vegetables contain carotenoids with antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties and are a natural source of polyphenols. Studies show that the increased consumption of polyphenols can reduce the risk of certain types of cancers and can inhibit the growth and progression of the cancer cell cycle.

*Reference: Research study: Evaluation of the effect of dietary vegetable consumption on reducing risk of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in Scottish Terriers. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2005 Jul 1;227(1):94-100. Malathi Raghavan, Deborah W. Knapp, Patty L. Bonney, Marcia H. Dawson, Lawrence T. Glickman.

Please include your dog's diet on the order form at checkout. We will review your pet's information and include free cancer diet tips on the packing slip that comes with your order.

Vitamins & Supplements for Dogs with Bladder Cancer

See a list of our vitamins and supplements that can help specifically with dogs who have been diagnosed with bladder cancer or TCC.