Bladder cancer in cats and dogs

The most common type of bladder cancer is called transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), which arises from the epithelial cells that line the bladder. However, other less frequently observed types of bladder cancer exist such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or rhabdomyosarcoma.

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Signs and symptoms

The most frequent symptoms of TCC are blood in the urine, painful urination, frequent urination and/or straining to urinate.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests typically include complete blood tests, urinalysis, urine culture, X-rays of the abdomen and chest, and bladder imaging. The definitive diagnosis of bladder cancer will require a tissue biopsy and subsequent examination of the cells under the microscope. ^[1]

Treatment

Because most bladder cancers are invasive into the bladder wall, surgical removal is usually not possible. The majority of transitional cell carcinomas are treated with 2 types of medications, either traditional chemotherapy or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID).

References

External link

• Bladder Cancer in Cats and Dogs from Pet Cancer Center
• Bladder Tumors from Animal Cancer & Imaging Center'
• Canine Bladder Cancer from Purdue Veterinary School of Medicine
• Urinary Bladder Cancer from Pet Place