Symptoms of Bladder Cancer in Dogs

When it comes to urinary system cancers in dogs, the bladder is the most commonplace spot for tumors to appear. Today our Winston-Salem veterinary oncology team shares some of the causes and symptoms of bladder cancer in dogs, and how the condition is treated.

Breeds of Dogs with Increased Rates of Bladder Cancer

Although it is possible for any breed to develop bladder cancer, a genetic predisposition is believed to exist since the disease is seen in Scottish Terriers far more than any other breed. Other dog breeds that appear to face a higher than average risk of developing bladder cancer include wire hair fox terriers, Shetland sheepdogs, beagles, and West Highland terriers. Middle-aged and older senior dogs of these breeds appear to be at the highest risk.

Causes of Bladder Cancer

The precise cause of bladder cancer in dogs has not yet been established, nonetheless, there appears to be a link between a genetic predisposition and chronic exposure to chemicals used in lawn care such as pesticides and herbicides.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer in Dogs

In many dogs, symptoms of bladder cancer mimic those of other urinary tract conditions such as stones or infections. Needless to say, this can make the disease challenging to diagnose. If your dog has developed bladder cancer you may notice that they urinate small amounts frequently, have difficulty urinating or have accidents in the house.

Some other common signs of bladder cancer in dogs are discolored or bloody urine and persistent urinary tract infections that are resistant to treatment.

Lameness can also be experienced by dogs in later stages of the disease, due to the spread of the condition to other parts of the body such as the animal's lungs or bones.

Contact your vet straight away if your pooch is displaying any of the symptoms listed above. While these are common symptoms of bladder cancer, they are also associated with a number of other serious conditions that require urgent diagnosis and treatment.

How Bladder Cancer is Diagnosed

Bladder cancer is often first suspected when the vet feels the presence of a tumor in the dog's abdomen during a routine examination. Diagnostic tests that can be used to confirm whether the pet has bladder cancer include:

Prognosis Following Bladder Cancer Diagnosis

Sadly, the prognosis for dogs with bladder cancer isn't good. For dogs not receiving bladder cancer treatment life-expectancy is about 4-6 months, whereas dogs receiving treatment live an average of about 6-12 months.

Available Treatments for Dogs with Bladder Cancer

The treatment for bladder cancer in dogs may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of these treatments.

Generally, a full surgical removal of the tumor is not possible because of its location, although in some cases it may be possible to remove a significant portion of the tumor in order to provide temporary relief of your pet's symptoms. However, it's important for pet parents to know that the tumor will regrow after a time. 

CADET Braf Test for Determining Bladder Cancer Risk

The CADET Braf test helps vets to detect the presence of a specific gene mutation that is linked to bladder cancers in canines. This test can be helpful in detecting bladder cancer before signs of the disease become evident.

The CADET Braf test is also a useful tool for determining the extent of the disease, what the best form of treatment may be, and how a dog is responding to chemotherapy treatment.

Speak to your vet about the CADET Braf test if your dog is a breed with a higher than average risk of bladder cancer.  

If you think that your dog may have bladder cancer contact Animal Hospital of Clemmons right away to book an examination for your canine companion. Our vets have experience diagnosing and treating cancer in dogs and cats.