Bladder Cancer in Dogs

Urinary tract tumors are tumors that cause cancer formation in the area where they are located. In dogs, urinary tract tumors commonly cause bladder cancer. You can find answers to frequently asked questions about bladder cancer, one of the diseases where early diagnosis and treatment are very important for quality of life, in this article.

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer caused by a urinary tract tumor occurring in the bladder. A urinary tract tumor can be defined as the irregular and uncontrolled growth of cells that make up the urinary system. Urinary tract tumors affect the kidneys, the ureter (which carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder, the prostate, and the urethra (which allows urine to be expelled from the bladder). Bladder cancer in dogs is by far the most common type of urinary tract cancer. There are different types of bladder cancer, the most common being transitional cell bladder cancer. Transitional cell bladder cancer originates from the cells lining the bladder. Bladder tumors should be differentiated from non-cancerous benign structures such as inflammatory masses or polyps that cause thickening of the bladder wall. In dogs, bladder cancer can penetrate deep tissues of the bladder wall, such as muscle tissue. The resulting obstruction due to bladder enlargement makes it difficult for urine to flow from the kidneys to the bladder or out of the bladder.

Bladder cancer in dogs is by far the most common urinary tract cancer. There are different types of bladder cancer. The most common is transitional cell bladder cancer. Transitional cell bladder cancer originates from the cells lining the bladder. Bladder tumors must be differentiated from non-cancerous benign growths such as inflammatory masses or polyps that cause thickening of the bladder wall. In dogs, bladder cancer can extend into deep tissues of the bladder wall, such as muscle tissue. The enlargement of the bladder causes obstruction, making it difficult for urine to flow from the kidneys to the bladder or out of the bladder.

Bladder cancer can metastasize to lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and other organs. In dogs, bladder tumors are divided into two types: low-grade (superficial) and high-grade (invasive), similar to humans. In humans, low-grade bladder cancer is common and rarely spreads outside the bladder. In contrast, high-grade bladder cancer is more common in dogs and can spread to other parts of the body quickly.

What Causes Bladder Cancer in Dogs?

The cause of bladder cancer is generally unknown. However, in general, bladder cancer in dogs develops as a result of a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Some breeds have a higher genetic predisposition to bladder cancer. Scottish Terriers are 18-20 times more likely to develop bladder cancer than other breeds. Among the environmental factors that cause cancer, agricultural pesticides and insecticides are at the forefront. It is thought that the main cause of bladder cancer in pet dogs is smoking by people in the dog's environment. This type of cancer is usually seen in middle-aged dogs. Excess weight also significantly increases the risk of bladder cancer in dogs. Chronic bladder infection or inflammation is another factor that increases the risk of bladder cancer. What are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer? The symptoms of bladder cancer can vary depending on the area where it occurs. The most common symptoms are: Difficulty urinating, Bloody urine, Frequent need to urinate.

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Symptoms of Bladder Cancer? Symptoms of bladder cancer can vary depending on the location. The most common symptoms are:

• Difficulty urinating,
• Bloody urine, and
• Frequent need to urinate.

Recurrent urinary tract infections can occur together with bladder cancer. When the bladder enlarges and the urethra becomes compressed, it becomes difficult for urine to flow into the bladder. Therefore, urine accumulates in the kidneys, causing pain. Symptoms such as numbness, vomiting, and diarrhea can also be seen in bladder cancer. Bladder cancer often spreads to other tissues in the body, including bone. This leads to the appearance of new symptoms.

How is Bladder Cancer Diagnosed in Dogs?

Suspicion of bladder cancer may arise in cases of recurrent urinary tract infections or urinary tract infections that cannot be treated. In this case, diagnosis is usually made using imaging methods such as X-rays and ultrasounds. This allows for checking whether there is another mass in the kidneys, bladder, or urinary tract. Urine and blood tests are performed to assess kidney function. In some cases, cancerous cells can be detected in urine tests. Enlarged and hard kidneys during a physical examination can also raise suspicion. Tissue biopsy is another method used to make a diagnosis. A sample taken from the abnormal tissue or tumor is examined under a microscope. This examination is called histopathology. Histopathology not only diagnoses cancer but also determines which type of tumor caused the cancer. Tissue samples can also be taken from bladder tumors via catheterization. Another diagnostic method for bladder cancer is cystoscopy. A small tube with a camera at its tip is inserted into the bladder to examine areas and obtain a tissue sample for biopsy, after which a diagnosis can be made.

Course of Bladder Cancer in Dogs

There are two types of bladder cancer seen in dogs. These are referred to as low-level and high-level tumor-related bladder cancer, with high-level tumor-related bladder cancer being more common. Low-level tumors occur only in the bladder and generally do not spread to other parts of the body. They may not show any symptoms if they do not cause significant growth in the bladder. However, high-level tumors can spread to lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bones, brain, spinal cord, and adrenal glands. To monitor the progression of cancer, it is first necessary to determine where it will spread. X-rays are preferred to check the lungs, spinal cord, and hips. The liver, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes are also checked with ultrasound.

Treatment of Bladder Cancer in Dogs

Treatment of bladder cancer varies depending on the type, level, and location of the tumor. Bladder cancer is generally treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, in some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be necessary. Tumors that cause bladder cancer are usually found at the point where the bladder connects to the urethra. Therefore, surgical intervention is not an option. Tumors that form in different parts of the bladder outside this area can be removed surgically. In cases where urine flow is difficult, the primary priority of treatment is to restore this flow to normal; otherwise, insufficient urine flow can be life-threatening.