Hearing a diagnosis of bladder cancer in dogs can be distressing as a dog parent, but integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby is here to help. Learn the signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for the most common type of bladder cancer, transitional cell carcinoma in dogs. Armed with that information, you will be ready to help and support your canine companion in his or her battle with bladder cancer.
Sally was a twelve-year-old female spayed Scottish Terrier who had been the picture of health. But now she was asking to go outside more often, straining to urinate, and had left a large puddle of bloody urine on the kitchen floor. Her family was worried, so they brought her to see me.
I diagnosed my Scottie patient with what I thought was going to be a run-of-the-mill urinary tract infection. However, unlike most UTIs that significantly improve within a few days of starting antibiotics, Sally’s problems persisted. After a urine culture, which ruled out ongoing bacterial infection, I moved on to a bladder ultrasound to try to get to the root of my canine patient’s problem.
Unfortunately, the ultrasound revealed a large mass in the dog’s bladder that extended down into the urethra. So I had to break the devastating news to her family—their dog had bladder cancer.
What are the types of bladder cancer in dogs?
The term “bladder cancer” refers to any sort of cancer that grows in the urinary bladder.
Of the different types of lower urinary system cancers in dogs, transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is by far the most common. It accounts for up to 90% of all bladder tumors.
The other 10% consist of many other types of tumors, including:
- Leiomyosarcoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Lymphoma in dogs
- Fibrosarcoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Hemangiosarcoma in dogs
- Infiltrative prostatic carcinoma
What is a transitional cell carcinoma in dogs?
Since the vast majority of bladder tumors are transitional cell carcinomas, let’s take a closer look at this tumor type.
In this case, the tumor arises from transitional cells, which are the specialized cells that normally line the inside of the bladder. When some of these cells become neoplastic (i.e. cancerous), the result is a transitional cell carcinoma. Sometimes a TCC is also called a urothelial carcinoma (UC).
The most common place for a transitional cell carcinoma to occur is in the trigone region of the bladder. This is the area at the neck of the bladder where the ureters—which connect the kidneys to the bladder—enter the bladder and the bladder narrows into the urethra. Unfortunately, a tumor in this area cannot be removed surgically.
Which dogs tend to get bladder cancer?
There are several factors that may make a dog more likely to develop bladder cancer. In general, TCC is most common among middle-aged or older female dogs. However, it can occur in dogs of any age and gender.
While transitional cell carcinoma can occur in any breed, certain dog breeds are at a higher risk. There is likely a genetic predisposition for developing TCC, as evidenced by Scottish Terrier dogs. Scotties are twenty times more likely to develop TCC than other breeds with the same environmental risk factors.
Breeds of dogs at risk for TCC include:
- Scottish Terriers (the most common breed to be diagnosed with TCC)
- Shetland Sheepdogs
- West Highland White Terriers
- Fox Terriers
- Airedales
- Beagles
- Collies
Dogs that have been exposed to herbicides and insecticides also have a higher risk of developing TCC. Obesity is also a risk factor. It is thought that components of these herbicides and insecticides accumulate in fat tissue.
Chronic and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs in dogs) also increase the risk of developing transitional cell carcinoma. Urinary tract infections are much more common in female dogs than male dogs. This may explain why females also seem to develop TCCs more frequently than males.
Administration of the chemotherapy agent Cyclophosphamide also has been associated with a higher risk of developing TCC.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer in dogs?
As demonstrated by Sally’s story, the signs of bladder cancer and a UTI are often very similar. The symptoms might include:
- Straining to urinate
- Urinating more frequently
- Urinary accidents
- Blood in the urine
In more advanced cases, a bladder tumor may cause a complete obstruction of the urethra so the dog is unable to urinate. The bladder may even rupture.
If the tumor has metastasized (i.e. spread) to the local lymph nodes, the vet might notice enlargement of the inguinal or sublumbar lymph nodes.
Although it is a rare occurrence, TCC can trigger hypertrophic osteopathy. This is a reaction of the periosteum (outer portion of the bone) leading to bone thickening and pain. It most commonly occurs in the lower portion of the legs.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
As we established, urinary tract infections are much more common than bladder tumors, and the signs are almost identical. So unsurprisingly, a dog who actually has a bladder tumor often initially gets a presumptive diagnosis of a UTI.
To further complicate matters, many dogs with a bladder tumor will have a concurrent urinary tract infection. So when the vet sees blood, bacteria, and white blood cells in the urine, he or she would understandably initially diagnose this as a UTI rather than having a high suspicion of bladder cancer.
Many dogs with bladder tumors will initially improve on antibiotics, especially if the tumor is small and in the early stages. The clinical improvement may be due to the anti-inflammatory effect of some antibiotics on the bladder. It can also be due to the fact that some dogs do have a concurrent UTI that is contributing to the signs.
As in my Scottie patient’s case, the vet may first suspect bladder cancer when an older female dog has recurrent urinary issues that are not improving or quickly return despite appropriate antibiotic therapy. In many cases, the vet will be able to visualize a mass on ultrasound. However, the vet will need to be careful when interpreting the ultrasound. It is easy to mistake inflammation of the bladder wall for a tumor, especially if the bladder is small and fairly empty.
Avoid aspirates
Most of the time when the vet finds a tumor somewhere in the body, he or she will recommend an aspirate. This involves having the vet place a needle into the tumor, apply suction to remove some of the cells, and examine the cells under the microscope.
However, vets don’t recommend that sort of aspirate for suspected bladder cancer. There have been reports of “tumor seeding” with TCC after an aspirate. In other words, tumor cells followed the tract of the needle and started to grow throughout the abdomen. Therefore, other methods are recommended for collecting samples for diagnostics.
Cystoscopic biopsy
Instead of doing an aspirate, the vet can obtain a biopsy from the tumor through a cystoscope. This is a special scope with a camera that the vet slides up the urethra and into the bladder. As with aspiration, a surgical biopsy runs the risk of seeding tumor cells through the abdomen, so it is typically not a good idea.
Traumatic catheterization
Identifying neoplastic transitional cells in a urine sample is another useful diagnostic option, especially if the vet collects the sample through “traumatic catheterization.” Traumatic catheterization involves passing a urinary catheter and intentionally irritating the bladder tissue and tumor. This causes the tumor to release cells into the urine.
It is important to note that interpreting the traumatic catheterization sample is best left to a veterinary pathologist. This is because chronic inflammation of the bladder wall can damage the cells and make them appear neoplastic. A board-certified veterinary clinical pathologist should be able to distinguish between cancer and inflammation. But most general practice vets don’t have that level of expertise with cytology.
CADET® BRAF test
Recently, a new test has become available that makes the diagnosis of TCC much easier for the veterinarian and the patient. The test is called a CADET® BRAF test. Eighty-five percent of TCC tumors have a genetic mutation called the BRAF mutation. Finding cells with the BRAF mutation on a free catch urine sample can confirm a diagnosis of TCC. However, since only 85% of TCC tumors carry the BRAF mutation, it won’t find every case of TCC.
The good news is that now there is a CADET BRAF-PLUS test. It is able to detect approximately two-thirds of the TCCs the regular CADET BRAF test misses. Together, the BRAF and BRAF-PLUS can find 95% of TCCs. The BRAF test is easy to perform, non-invasive, and has a high chance of correctly identifying TCC so it is quickly becoming popular with veterinarians and dog parents.
What is the treatment for bladder cancer?
Once the vet has diagnosed your dog with bladder cancer, he or she will discuss the treatment options.
Surgery
If the tumor is located in the apex (i.e. top) of the bladder, a skilled surgeon may be able to remove a portion of the bladder wall along with the tumor. However, since most TCCs occur in the neck of the bladder where the ureters and urethra are located, surgical removal is usually not an option.
If surgery is not an option, or the vet performs surgery and there is evidence of spread to other parts of the body, medical therapy can extend a dog’s life significantly.
Piroxicam
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, especially Piroxicam, are the mainstay of treatment for TCC. Piroxicam reduces the tumor volume overall and reduces the clinical signs associated with bladder tumors.
Chemotherapy
Dogs may sometimes need chemotherapy in combination with Piroxicam or instead of Piroxicam. It is best to consult with a board-certified veterinary oncologist to determine which chemotherapy agents would be best based on your dog’s history, overall health, the location of the tumor, and other factors. In general, the more common chemotherapeutic agents for TCC are Mitoxantrone or doxorubicin. Palladia is also another option.
Researchers at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine also are studying a novel delivery system for chemotherapy that uses nanoparticles. It would allow veterinarians to effectively deliver chemotherapy directly into the bladder to target the transitional cell carcinoma. This approach also has applications for treating human bladder cancer.
Comfort measures
Making a dog with bladder cancer comfortable is important too. Since these dogs are prone to UTIs, the dog parent should monitor for worsening of urinary signs or other indications of infection. Treating infection with antibiotics can help the dog feel better.
If the bladder cancer has progressed to the point it is obstructing the urethra, some dogs may be a candidate for laser ablation of the mass or balloon dilation to temporarily improve the obstruction. Placing a urethral stent can also help if the tumor is obstructing a ureter and keeping urine from reaching the bladder.
What is the prognosis for bladder cancer?
As you can imagine, the outlook for dogs with bladder cancer varies depending on the type of tumor present, the location, and if the tumor has spread. Unfortunately, without treatment, most dogs with bladder cancer are euthanized within two to four months of diagnosis due to the progression of lower urinary tract signs.
In cases of transitional cell carcinoma, the median survival time (i.e. the length of time after which 50% of affected dogs are still alive) with Piroxicam, or other NSAIDs, is four to six months. With the combination of NSAIDs and chemotherapy, the median survival time is nine to twelve months.
How does bladder cancer progress?
Because transitional cell carcinomas are usually located at the neck of the bladder, urinary obstructions are common as the tumor progresses to the final stages. The tumor may block a ureter so urine from the kidney cannot enter the bladder. Or the tumor may block the urethra so that the patient cannot urinate.
A urinary obstruction can quickly become a life-threatening emergency. If at any point, you think your dog cannot urinate, please make an emergency vet visit immediately.
In other cases, the tumor causes so much inflammation and irritation that it affects the patient’s quality of life. Sadly, I euthanized one of my canine patients a few months after diagnosis because she felt like she had to urinate every twenty minutes. She was so uncomfortable that she wasn’t able to sleep.
Some patients may also become sick because of metastatic spread of disease to other parts of the body. TCC can metastasize to lymph nodes, the lungs, bone, and prostate. In the final stages of metastatic bladder cancer, you may see pain, breathing problems, or swelling of limbs due to blockage of the lymphatic vessels.
Back to my Scottish Terrier patient
Due to the tumor’s location near the ureters and urethra, surgery was not an option for Sally. Her family did not want to pursue chemotherapy but were hoping to keep her comfortable as long as possible. We started her on a daily dose of Piroxicam. While on Piroxicam, we checked her blood work every two months to make sure the medication was not damaging her kidneys. We also checked her urine for secondary infections and treated with antibiotics when needed.
Sally lived another nineteen months after I diagnosed her with a bladder tumor. Unfortunately, her tumor eventually grew into a blood vessel, causing blood loss. Her family knew it was time to consider preparing for dog euthanasia when the bleeding became severe enough that she was anemic and weak. While they were sad to lose their beloved dog, they were also so thankful for the time they had with her after her diagnosis.
Pearls of wisdom about bladder tumors in dogs
I know it can get overwhelming when you and your sweet dog are facing a scary diagnosis like bladder cancer. So let me leave you with a few parting pieces of advice from my years as a veterinarian:
- You know your dog. If your vet is treating your dog for a UTI and it doesn’t seem like your dog is getting better as fast as expected, reach out to your veterinarian. Let him or her know what you are seeing. Be willing to do more diagnostics to get to the bottom of the issue.
- If your veterinarian suspects a bladder tumor, ask about a CADET BRAF test. It is probably the least stressful way to diagnose a TCC and will find 85% of tumors (or 95% if you do the CADET BRAF-PLUS too).
- Although treatment for transitional cell carcinoma is rarely curative, medications such as Piroxicam and/or chemotherapy can help your dog have a good quality of life for many more months.
- Stay in close contact with your vet during the treatment period. Ensure you keep him or her informed of any changes with your dog.
- If you have a high-risk breed of dog such as a Scottie, ask your vet if it would be wise to run the CADET BRAF test as a screening tool every four to six months. Early detection of a TCC allows you to start treatment sooner.
Finally, don’t lose hope. I know that no one wants to hear the word “cancer” in reference to their sweet dog. You can’t change the fact that your dog has bladder cancer. But you can try to enjoy every remaining day together to the fullest.
Has your dog been diagnosed with bladder cancer?
Please share his or her story below.
Hi Dr Buzby, .
I’m not sure you’ll remember me and my little old lady staffy from earlier in the year. She was diagnosed in March, although I suspect she’s had this cancer since June ’22 when a polyp was misdiagnosed. It’s been a road of ups and downs with her but she’s still here enjoying life!! She had a nasty UTI a few months ago that appeared 48hrs after finishing antibiotics and unfortunately it spread to her kidneys causing irreversible damage, she’s now stage 2 kidney failure. She’s now on antibiotics longterm as both myself and my vet agreed she wouldn’t be able to cope without them (she proved that) as we almost lost her to the last infection, she was so poorly.
She’s been taking Chlorambucil for a few months now, no side effects whatsoever apart from a liver spike the first week which settled down. Her last scan 3 weeks ago showed her tumour had potentially grown (her bladder was empty so was difficult for him to be certain) and her iliac LN’s were enlarged, I asked if we could maybe up the dose of the oral chemo as she was on a really low dose, he agreed and she’s been on the doubled dose for 3 weeks and doing really well! She passed a clot a few days ago with a whitish component to it, I’m thinking it was part of the tumour. We’re back next week for a repeat scan and bloods to see if the doubled dose is managing the cancer. Her last bloods did show her CREA is now WNL’s but still classed as stage 2.
I’m in complete awe of her and how she copes with everything, she’s still my happy, cheeky and stubborn girl. Her birthday is 3 weeks today where she’ll be 13, at the start of the year I would never have thought we’d be here now with her but she’s such a tough little cookie.
My vet did say around 7 weeks ago that he thinks we only have around 12 weeks left with her and maybe that’s true, nobody has a crystal ball though and she’s doing well, her quality of life remains good so we’ll keep fighting alongside her until she shows any sort of decline, then i’ll break my own heart to save her any suffering.
She shows no signs of the kidney failure and the only signs she shows of the cancer are she’s a little incontinent. She does have other health issues too but if we could just make her birthday and then maybe one last Christmas with her it would be the best news!
For now though we’re enjoying each and every moment with her.
I just want to thank-you again, what you do with your site is an amazing thing and taking time out of your busy days to respond to people like me means more than you’ll ever know, so thank-you!
Hi Mrs,
Yes, I remember you and your sweet girl! Goodness, she has been through just about everything in the last year. I am glad her quality of life is maintaining well for now and she is tolerating the treatments. Thank you for the update. I appreciate you sharing her story with us. Praying for her last days to be full of happiness and comfort. Wishing you all the best. Bless you both. ♥
My Great Dane was diagnosed with TCC in July she is 11 years 9 months old which is old for Great Dane, she is on strong painkillers but nothing else, she is eating drinking still going for little walks, vet is amazed by how well she is given the size of her tumour my concern is how will we know when the time is right for euthanasia don’t want her to suffer
Dear Lynn,
I am so sorry your big girl is nearing the end of her days. Deciding when to say goodbye is difficult and different for every dog. I will attach links to other articles with more information and great advice from other readers. The main thing to watch for is a decline in her quality of life. If she is no longer happy or wants to do the things that bring her joy it may be time to let go. When her day-to-day routine is more work and stress than rest and peace then I would think it might be time. Willingness to eat and drink is not a great indicator of the level of suffering present. Some dogs will continue to eat until their last breath despite extreme pain. Don’t forget you can lean on your vet for advice and support. They can periodically evaluate your sweet girl and let you know if letting go is the most loving option. I hope you can find the answers you need to navigate this unknown path ahead. Wishing you strength and comfort. Bless you both. ♥
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. Signs Your Dog is Dying: A Caring Message to Bring You Peace
3. How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog? 5 Caring, Heartfelt Messages
4. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
My 16 and a half years Westie was diagnosed with bladder cancer 2 months ago. He did 1 chemo session/week for 6 weeks. He is also on pills for pain, urinary tract and liver. For now he is still a very happy dog, playing, eating. However, he started again to urinate with blood and very often. Our vet does not know why he started urinating with blood again. I am affraid that his condition is getting worse, even if there is no other symptom for now. Is this something normal?
Hi Ana,
I understand your concern for your senior pup with this recent change in his urine. Without examining him myself, I can’t tell why the blood is present. The most likely cause is either an infection or the return of the cancer. Have you had your dog evaluated by your vet since the blood started again? They may want to do some follow up testing on his urine or schedule an abdominal ultrasound. You can also ask for a consultation with a specialist if one is not already involved with your dog’s case. Hoping you can get some answers and find a clear path forward. Praying for a positive outcome.
Wow, an amazingly comforting article; thank you Dr. Buzby!!
Chlo, my 15 yr old Cushing’s beagle, has been experiencing “uti symptoms” with urinalysis’ showing no identifiable infection for nearly 6 months. An ultrasound identified a larger mass in the best end of the bladder.
We know our time together is limited, and now the challenge is assessing pain/discomfort levels. I am hesitant to try Piroxicam, as she has a history of gastro-intestinal upset. For many years experienced a noisy sensitive stomach. She already has been inconsistent about eating meals with sometimes no appetite for food she gobbled down the day before. Very inconsistent.
Now facing the gut-wrenching decision of quality of life. I’ve already earmarked a number of articles here in your blog about this, and just want to thank you SO much for listening and offering answers/comfort to loving dog parents.
Thank you so much for all you do!!
Dear Tracy,
Thank you for the kind words. I am glad the article was helpful, and you have found others that may offer guidance as you navigate this unknown path ahead. My heart goes out to you and your sweet girl. Praying her final days will be peaceful and full of love. Wishing you strength and comfort for your heart. Bless you both. ♥
Thank you for this article. Mickey, our 12+ yo Dachsund (we didnt know for sure how old he is as we rescued him 3 years ago on the road), was having traces of blood in his urine for about a month. After several vet visits, they finally found mass within his bladder. As we live in Indonesia, it seems that the CADET BRAF test isn’t available here and we found out there’s TCC through catererization (cytology) last week. The vet quickly gave us piroxicam to start and it was all fine. Howecer after 5 days my dog started vomiting after his meal and his appetite seems to be decreasing by a lot. Is this a known common effect of piroxicam? I’ve stopped giving him piroxicam for now as I couldn’t bear to see him vomiting all the time after meal time and he doesnt seem to be vomiting and able to eat for now (it has been 2 days)
Unfortunately not many vets here are experienced and aware of TCC and the ones that do, need bookings weeks ahead and ours are booked for next week.
Just wondering if it’s ok to stop piroxicam or if there’s any other alternative.
Thank you so much
Hi Artista,
I am sorry your senior dog is dealing with urinary issues and a bladder tumor. I am glad you were able to get him scheduled for the traumatic catheterization procedure to obtain a cytology sample. Unfortunately, vomiting is one of the most common side effects of any anti-inflammatory medication like piroxicam. I am glad you have discontinued it for now and think you should let your vet know right away. In rare cases, NSAIDs like piroxicam can cause stomach ulcers or irritate the intestines causing major issues. If there is any chance this is happening to your pup, your vet would want to completely stop this medication. There are definitely other alternatives but piroxicam has demonstrated the best results for Transitional Cell Carcinoma. I hope the catheterization procedure goes well and you get the answers you need. Praying for good news and a clear path forward. Feel free to leave an update when you get a chance.
Thank you for this helpful blog. Our 14-year-old lab/collie mix has bladder cancer and we are trying to guage our summer travels around her prognosis (we travel half the year in an RV). She has been drinking frantically since January and was treated twice by out-of-town vets for a UTI to no avail. We are home and had a sonagram/ultrasound which confirmed a mass about 3 cm x 1 cm and suspicious spots on other organs. Other than peeing a lot and intermittent shallow breathing, she seems fine, but we’ve decided to postpone traveling with her until she needs to be euthanized (because we don’t want to scramble to find a vet in aa rural area if her urethra closes up). We’re not doing chemo but hope to start her on a NSAID or steroid (we’re talking to her vet tomorrow). Based on my description, would you think her prognosis is weeks or a few months? We’re trying to figure out cancelling reservations.
Hi Scott,
I’m sorry that your beloved dog was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer. Although I didn’t see this in time to be able to give you recommendations for your summer travels, I think your plan of staying at home until it is time to say goodbye is a good one. Unfortunately I can’t really give you a good estimate on how long she might have because a lot depends on how the tumor responds to the NSAIDs or steroids, when/if it obstructs the urethra, and how significant her clinical signs become. I hope that your appointment with the vet went well and that you were able to find a plan to keep her comfortable for as long as possible.
Hello, my 13 year old lab was just diagnosed last week with a mass on the outside of her bladder. She started on Piroxicam 5 days ago and she was voiding better the first two days, she now is hesitant to void again like it hurts so she doesn’t want to go. How long after starting the Piroxicam do you usually start to see any improvement? I hate the idea of my girl being in pain, I just want to prolong her suffering and I don’t know if it is time to say goodbye. Thank you
Hi Angela,
So sorry to hear that your lab was diagnosed with a bladder tumor. While Piroxicam seems to work well in many causes to help control clinical signs and possibly shrink the tumor, it isn’t always effective or tolerated. I did some research to try to determine how quickly the Piroxicam should work, but I couldn’t find anything specific in the literature. Unfortunately I also don’t know that I can give you a concrete answer based on my experience since each dog and tumor is a bit different. The anti-inflammatory effects should kick in pretty quickly, but the tumor-shrinking effects take more time. Since your pup got better for the first two days then started acting uncomfortable again, I would say it is definitely worth checking in with your vet to get a better idea of what is going in. Hopefully you were able to find some clear answers about how best to help your dear girl. Praying for you!
Hello my 11 1/2 rescue dog (chi mix) has been diagnosed with bladder cancer located in the bad place sadly. Started the Piroxicam & Dr has recommended chemo also. Oral chemo is Trametinib tables & IV chemo is mitoxantrone. Since we live an hour away from treatment center, I’m leaning toward the tablet. I’m just wondering if we would get the same results/benefits from the tablet. I do want to give her the best treatment possible to ensure a longer quality of life. Thank you for your help and info!
Hi Janett,
I am so sorry your senior girl has received this devastating diagnosis. I am not sure whether the tablet or IV chemo has demonstrated better results. That would be a great question for a veterinary oncologist. Please make sure your vet is aware of your concerns and they should be able to guide you through this decision-making process. Praying your girl will respond favorably to the treatment and you can gain some extra quality time to love on her. ♥
My 12 year old heeler was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer. We started him on Piroxicam about a month and a half ago and he is feeling a lot better, although recently started to hold his leg up to pee for long periods again. This originally started over a year ago. My vet originally suspected beginning stages of kidney failure based on his bloodwork and urine tests. We also found out during that time he has Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – which makes surgery not an ideal option for him. Our plan is to just enjoy the time we have and use Piroxicam and antibiotics when needed.
Dear Polly,
I am sorry your senior guy has received this difficult diagnosis. I am glad to hear that the Piroxicam is working well, and he is feeling so much better. Thank you for being willing to share your experience with us. It is very helpful to others to know they are not alone and that they can still have good quality time with their beloved pups even after this is diagnosed. Praying you have many happy days ahead to continue making memories. Give your sweet boy a hug for me!
Good day. My Yorkie female, nearly 14 years old has been diagnosed with a tumor in her bladder (about one third the size of het bladder) a month ago. Vet did a scan but said there is no treatment for it. She has blood in her urine, urinating very frequently. Vet said it will grow slowly. I can see it is getting worse, she has wet her bed last night. How worse will it get and how soon?
Hi Henrihet,
I am sorry your little pup has received this devastating diagnosis. Unfortunately, cancer can do some strange things and there is really no way to know exactly how things will progress. You may start to see blood in her urine and there may come a point where the tumor blocks the outflow of urine. If a urinary blockage occurs, this would be an emergency situation. Sometimes saying goodbye is the most loving option and only way to prevent unnecessary suffering. I hope it will be obvious when the time comes to let go. Praying for your strength and comfort for your heart. Wishing you the best as you navigate this tough road ahead.
Hello, my 13yr staffy was weeing blood and clots 5wks ago. the vet was reluctant to scan him as he suspected a UTI or kidney stones. but I pushed for a scan and they foind a large tumour starting in the trigone area and filling two thirds of his bladder 🙁
We started Piroxican staggered due to side effects and are currently on every other day.. it’s all about quality if life for him now and we take each day at a time. some days he is like a puppy doing zoomies and other days he is quiet and tired. I’ve done a lot of reading and I’m aware of the final days will probably be him not weeing one day and then the decision will be taken out of my hands. I’ve read lots of papers on the amazing properties of Piroxicam even though it causes other issues and wonder if it could shrink my boys tumour by much or because its already so big thats not possible, does this mean we have even less time than the average given? I wish they looked a year ago when I first spotted blood and he had problems with his anal glands 🙁
I know he is already an old boy and he had had an amazing life but saying goodbye to him will be so hard :'(
Dear Nadia,
I am sorry your senior boy has received this devastating diagnosis. Bladder cancer can act very different from one dog to the next. So, there is no way to know for sure how the size of this tumor will affect your dog’s survival time. Try to make the most of the time you are blessed with and enjoy every moment. Praying you will know when the time to say goodbye is near and your boy’s passing will be smooth and peaceful. Wishing you the best.
My 13 year old female yorkie was diagnosed with urethra tumor, inoperable. she was just peeing often in little amounts. now there is blood in most urine and I have also seen a clot. prescribed prilosec and Piroxicam. how will I know it’s time to euthanize (if she is in pain) I don’t want her to suffer.
Dear Carole,
I am sorry you are in this situation with your Yorkie. Knowing when to say goodbye is so hard. You can talk with your vet, and they can do a quality-of-life evaluation to let you know if your pup is struggling. I always think it is better to let go one day too early rather than one day too late and allow unnecessary suffering. While saying goodbye will break your heart, it also may be the only way to give your sweet girl peace and rest. By making the choice to let go before her quality of life has deteriorated, you can ensure her last days are happy and her passing is peaceful and smooth. I will attach links to other articles with more information and advice. Praying for your heart and for clarity to know what is best. Bless you both. ♥
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
3. Signs Your Dog is Dying: A Caring Message to Bring You Peace
Hi my 12 year old dachshund has just had a scan on her bladder after repeated UTI’s it showed a mass in her bladder. My vet said it could either be a tumour or polyp as I can’t afford hefty vet bills my vet has prescribed antibiotics and anti inflammatory meds but she has started leaking blood from her vulva.and is constantly licking herself. She is otherwise eating and drinking ok but I’m now getting worried about the blood. I’ve bought doggy nappies and it seems there’s more blood every day
Hi Joanne,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with your senior Dachshund. I am sorry the bleeding has increased but glad to hear your pup is still feeling ok. I understand there are financial limitations, and you cannot pursue the advanced testing that would be needed for a definitive diagnosis. If your dog is not currently taking Piroxicam, maybe you could discuss this with your vet and see if treating for TCC would help ease your dog’s symptoms. Don’t forget that palliative/hospice care is always an option. I hope you can find the best ways to keep your sweet girl happy and comfortable for the time she has left. Wishing you strength and comfort for your heart. Bless you both.
My 12 year old boxer mix has just been diagnosed with an operable bladder tumor. What is the prognosis for her if the tumor is confined to the bladder? The type of cancer has not yet been determined.
Hi Brenda,
I am so sorry your girl has received this difficult diagnosis. What a blessing your vet is optimistic about her being a good surgical candidate. Unfortunately, without a definitive diagnosis there really is no way to know what her prognosis will be. Different types of tumors have very different outcomes. You will probably have to wait for the pathology report after surgery to get more information and determine what the future will look like for your pup. Best wishes to you both!
Thank you so much for such an informative article. My little old lady staffy (12 years old) was diagnosed with potential TCC 5 days ago, we’re currently awaiting test results to confirm. Our vet did an FNA sample but everything I’m reading says he shouldn’t have done this as it runs the risk of seeding the malignant cells. She had other health conditions but she isn’t in any pain, had good quality of life and is still her cheeky self. She’s had a suspected UTI for a couple of months now but I knew something was amiss when it just wouldn’t clear fully for her, then she dribbled blood I got her booked in the next day for an ultrasound which has shown a mass in her bladder that fills two thirds of it. The placement I think is “favourable” as it’s not in the neck of the bladder and the trigone is ok. I know we haven’t got long left with my old lady so we’re enjoying each and every moment with her while we can. I think the plan is to start on Piroxicam once results are back in. Any thoughts would be appreciated xx
Dear Mrs,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with your senior girl. I hope she is able to avoid a diagnosis of TCC but sounds like that may be where this is headed. I think you are doing everything right and right now it’s just a waiting game for the pathology results. Hoping your sweet girl is feeling ok. Praying she has many happy days ahead so you can continue making memories together. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
Hi, I’ve found myself re-reading your article and realised I’d commented on this one too (also the anaesthetic one). The pathology report couldn’t diagnose TCC but the fact she has the mass in the bladder and along with symptoms that remains the diagnose. She’s been on Piroxicam now for a couple of weeks and no side effects from that (thankfully). She’s currently being treated for UTI (synolux for 10 days) and is on day 6 of those now. She’s urinating more frequently and leaking while asleep which has blood that varies, some has hardly any visible and others has a large volume. She’s still herself, eating normally but is drinking a little more than usual. While she’s still herself then I’ll keep going right alongside her, but I do worry about her constantly and watch her like a hawk 24/7. For now we’re enjoying whatever time we have left with her.
My main question I think is how long should we wait to rescan her to check the tumour, or do we not rescan now? The placement is favourable as it’s in the apex area of her bladder as opposed to the neck of the bladder (for now at least). It’s been a little over 3 weeks since her last scan and I just want to try and do my absolute best by my little old lady like she deserves. X
Hi Mrs,
I am sorry the pathology report couldn’t give you a definitive diagnosis, but I agree I would assume TCC until proven otherwise. I am not sure there is much to be gained from another ultrasound other than to know how the tumor is changing. While knowing the current state of the tumor may offer peace of mind, it probably would not change the course of treatment. If you are interested in a follow up scan, don’t hesitate to ask your vet. How is your sweet girl feeling today? Hoping she is still doing well and finding joy in her days. I will continue to pray for you both and keep you in my thoughts. As always, feel free to keep us updated. ♥
Good afternoon, it’s me again. I didn’t see your reply and have actually come on to give you an update and saw it then, I sooo appreciate your prayers and thoughts for my little old lady. We’re a little over 7 weeks now since her scan and the assumed diagnose of TCC was made. She’s still on piroxicam and is still doing really well all things considered! She has a lot going on alongside the TCC, her Cushing’s, slipped disc and over the last couple of weeks a mild case of pancreatitis (no vomiting but diarrhea). She was originally booked in next week for a rescan but I’ve postponed until another month so I can get her on denamarin and then the vet can check her liver/gallbladder etc at the rescan too, she’ll have been on the piroxicam for 3 months give or take so can hopefully see some improvement in size. I did think we had potential kidney involvement so we got some bloods done with the sdma added on but thankfully those came back within normal levels. In herself she’s still happy, wanting food and more importantly treats! Drinking normally and definitely isn’t ready to go anywhere just yet.
The one question I do have and hoping to get your professional opinion on is clots, she has very very small clots (no bigger than a few mm at a time) and most are almost string like in appearance. I’ve seen differing opinions on this, some say it’s a positive sign, others negative and others say it’s indifferent but normal. They’re intermittent and not every time she has a wee and the most there’s been in one go is 5. Any opinion or insight would be absolutely amazing to hear from you.
Hi Mrs,
I am glad your girl seems to be doing well on her current medications. Praying her recheck in June will give you some good news. As far as the clots are concerned, I would expect to see them, especially as things progress. I would monitor your pup for changes in the frequency or amount of clots present. If you suddenly start to see a dramatic increase in the amount of blood your dog is passing, you would need to inform your vet. Thank you for the update! Keeping you and your sweet girl in my thoughts. ♥
Thank-you so much. The clots are still very small but she’s had quite a few the last 72hrs along with passing a lot more blood in her urine. She’s still acting normally, bright and alert, interested in food and enjoying life. I’m going to give my vet a call this morning as I am concerned that we’ve stopped her latest antibiotic course and within 24hrs the blood in her urine seems to be an awful lot more.
I just want to thank you again for not only composing such amazing blogs that are informative and to the point for people like me, on a range of different topics. Also for taking time out of your no doubt busy life to respond to me along with others. For this I am so thankful.
Hi Mrs,
I am glad I can offer a listening ear and maybe some emotional support as you navigate this difficult road. Hoping your vet can find a way to keep the bleeding at bay and maintain your sweet girl’s quality of life for as long as possible. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and watch for your next update. ♥
My 11 year old Yorkie-Poodle mix has just been preliminarily diagnosed with TCC. She also is being treated for diabetes and we just finally got her leveled as she was diagnosed. Is Piroxicam appropriate for dogs with diabetes? I think so because it’s not a steroid, correct?
Hi Charissa,
I am sorry your senior girl has received this difficult diagnosis. Yes, Piroxicam is ok for dogs with diabetes. But honestly, I would be much more concerned about the TCC than about possibly upsetting the balance with her diabetes and blood sugar levels. I hope the treatment will improve your sweet girl’s quality of life. Bless you both. ♥
My 3 year old American bully mix was just diagnosed with TCC bladder cancer. She has been sick for about 3 months. we treated her for a uti and inflammation and her symptoms continue to worsen. she has been urinating frequently, blood and clots in urine, accidents in the house, and some kind of white inflammatory shedding in her urine. she has also lost 28 pounds in the past 3 months. she is on pain medicine and antibiotics and we are just loving her while she still has time with us.
Dear Nicole,
My heart goes out to you as you face this devastating diagnosis in your pup. I hope her final days are filled with love, and she is surrounded by those she cares about most. Praying for your strength and comfort. Give your sweet girl a hug for me. ♥
Hello, thank you for your article. It is very informative and I wish I would have found it sooner so that I could have asked my vet about treatment with Piroxicam. I was hesitant to treat my Scottish terrier with chemotherapy fearing side effects and limited improvement of prognosis. My Scottie boy turned 10 just 3 months before his bladder cancer diagnosis. Inititially he was being treated for UTI and bladder stones, but the vet picked up a mass and swollen lymph nodes at the base of his bladder during his bladder stone treatment. Because he was getting sonograms every 2 months to monitor the bladder stone improvement (a restrictive diet,) they discovered the tumor fairly early. However, it had already become a large mass with inflamed lymph nodes by the time it was detected. Our vet followed up with the urine test you mention in the article to confirm the diagnosis. His treatment was rimadyl and amoxicillin . He lived a very normal healthy life for about 3 months from his diagnosis. Sadly, approximately 4-5 months after the tumor started growing, he started to decline, was urinating every hour, wasn’t sleeping well, lost most of his appetite for food and for going on his walks, and I knew it was time, He was the best dog, it’s a loss I won’t ever fully get over.
Dear Kerry,
My heart goes out to you with the loss of your Scottie. What a blessing you gained 3 extra quality months with your sweet boy before his health started to decline. Thank you for being willing to share your story with us. I am certain it will offer comfort to other to know they are not alone. Praying for healing and peace for your heart. May the memory of your beloved pup bring you joy and stay with you always.
Howdy. Thank you for the informative article.
I’m an Aussie needing some assistance. I have a 16 month old spayed female,she is a Chihuahua cross staffy. Around four months ago she had a uti and it cleared up with antibiotics. Vet did an ultrasound saw thickening on the bladder.
Let’s skip to this week: she has been urinating a lot,vet expressed her bladder to get a sample for the urinalysis. Results came back saying there is inflammation and some blood was found (vet thinks it’s because of the method to get the urine) no bacteria,no crystals we’re found. Was prescribed CystoPro. If there are no improvements,have to get an ultrasound and blood test done.
She thinks it could be stones.
What do you think it could be? Isn’t it rare for young dogs to get the big C?
Hi Charbel,
I am sorry your young pup is having so many issues with her bladder and urination. You are correct that cancer is more common in older dogs, but it is still possible for it to occur in young dogs as well. Since I have not personally examined your dog, I can’t make specific conclusions. Stones are definitely a possibility to rule out. It might be a good idea to schedule a consult with a specialist if the testing doesn’t give you clear results. I hope you can find the answers you need to restore your dog’s health and wellbeing. Praying for a positive outcome.
Thank you for this article. My 13!year old beloved Maltese has been diagnosed with TCC and Cushings. She had an ultrasound because we were suspicious about her large belly. It confirmed the Cushings but unfortunately a small tumor in the apex of her bladder was found. TCC was confirmed using the BRAF test. We are now waiting for her Piroxicam to arrive. I have a question…has anyone ever had any results with ivermectin’s cancer treatment? Also someone suggested fenben and bloodroot. Is there a diet that you’d recommend?
My primary goal is to make her comfortable….and educate myself to do what I can for her.. Thank you.
Hi Laura,
I am not personally familiar with using ivermectin as a cancer treatment. Many of the heartworm preventatives we commonly prescribe for dogs have ivermectin as the active ingredient. I did some research and found a couple articles that looked at ivermectin as a cancer treatment when combined with other chemotherapy drugs. Also, these studies were not aimed at TCC and rather were treating mammary cancer and transmissible venereal tumor. I did find mention of ivermectin as a cancer treatment in humans, but here again it was combined with other chemotherapy drugs. While I believe many conditions can be treated and improved with a good diet, I do not have any specific diet recommendations for TCC. There are some veterinary prescription diets that are used for urinary tract health. I am not sure they would offer a benefit, but they might be a good idea to try. I am sorry your senior girl is facing such a difficult diagnosis. I hope the piroxicam will help shrink the tumor and allow her to have many happy days ahead. Make the most of the time you are blessed with. I wish you both the best. ♥
Thank you for the article. My 13 year old shih tzu (who has also had cushings for about 3 years) began showing blood in urine in December and antibiotics did not resolve the issue. In early January a sonogram and braf test confirmed the TCC, another course of antibiotics and started Piroxicam. He was doing well until last week, when blood began to show in urine again. He also started having some episodes of repeated coughing/almost choking that last for several minutes and happen about 3-5 times a day. He is otherwise acting like himself, playing and eating, etc. Vet started antibiotics again and did not see any signs of respiratory issues but said antibiotics might help with cough. We are just on the second day of antibiotics so we will see what happens. Vet agreed with our decision not to do chemo as it requires vet visits which cause him a lot of stress (we have a home vet for regular visits), and his tumor is large (although not positioned to cause blockage). I’m just watching and waiting and making sure he is comfortable and enjoys every day. The intermittent cough is concerning, but the vet did not really have any guidance on what it would be (he is a pretty hefty boy (Cushings) and has breathing/snoring issues (shih-tzu)), so he has occasionally done the same cough/hacking thing over the years but not for several minutes at a time. The vet said I could take him for a scan, but I’m really not sure how that would help him or benefit anything with respect to current treatment.
Hi Christine,
I am sorry your senior guy has received this difficult diagnosis. I am glad he is feeling ok despite this new coughing issue. Since I have not examined your dog myself, I can’t make specific conclusions or recommendations. But I am curious to know where you are located and if his coughing started around the same time as when the pollen appeared with the warmer weather. If there is any chance his cough could be allergy related it might be worth discussing an over-the-counter allergy treatment with your vet. It might also be a good idea to think about chest x-rays or the scan your vet mentioned just to make sure nothing cancerous has spread to his lungs. I hope you find the best way to keep your sweet boy happy and comfortable. Best wishes to you both.