Within a dog's urinary system, the bladder is the most common area for cancer to strike. In today's post, our vets share some of the causes and symptoms of bladder cancer in dogs as well as the available treatments.
Are some breeds genetically predisposed to bladder cancer?
Although any breed can develop bladder cancer, a genetic propensity is suspected to be a partial cause, since the disease is seen in Scottish Terriers far more than any other breed. Shetland sheepdogs, Beagles, West Highland terriers and Wire Hair fox terriers also appear to face an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. In most cases, bladder cancer is diagnosed in middle-aged and senior female dogs of these breeds.
What causes bladder cancer in dogs?
The exact cause of bladder cancer in dogs is unknown; however, there appears to be a link between a genetic predisposition and chronic exposure to lawn chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides.
What are the symptoms of late-stage bladder cancer in dogs?
Symptoms of bladder cancer mimic those of other urinary tract conditions such as stones or infections, which makes the disease somewhat tricky to diagnose. If your dog is suffering from bladder cancer you may notice that they urinate small amounts frequently, have difficulty urinating or have accidents in the house. Another sign of bladder cancer can be discolored or bloody urine or persistent urinary tract infections that are resistant to treatment.
In more advanced stages of bladder cancer, some dogs experience lameness due to cancer spreading to their bones or lungs.
If your dog is displaying any of the symptoms listed above, it is critical that you seek veterinary care for your pet. The symptoms of bladder cancer can be caused by a number of serious conditions that require treatment.
How is bladder cancer diagnosed in dogs?
In many cases, the presence of bladder cancer is first suspected when the veterinarian feels a tumor in the dog's abdomen during a routine examination. Tests that can be used to confirm a diagnosis of bladder cancer include:
- Urinalysis to look for cancer cells in the pet's urine
- Bloodwork to check for impaired kidney function
- Abdominal ultrasound to look for tumors inside the bladder
- CADET Braf testing
How long will my dog live with bladder cancer?
Sadly, when it comes to bladder cancer in dogs the prognosis isn't generally favorable. Dogs diagnosed with bladder cancer typically live for about 4-6 months without receiving treatment and 6-12 months with treatment.
What treatments are available for bladder cancer in dogs?
There are many specialty vets that can provide oncological care for pets with cancer. If your dog is diagnosed with bladder cancer, your vet may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these treatments. Because of the location of bladder tumors, the full surgical removal of the tumor is typically not possible, although in some cases it may be possible to remove part of the tumor in order to temporarily relieve your dog's symptoms. Unfortunately, it's important to keep in mind that the tumor will regrow after a time.
What is the CADET Braf test? Should my dog be tested?
The CADET Braf test can help vets to detect the presence of a specific gene mutation that is linked to bladder cancers in dogs. This test can help to detect bladder cancer before symptoms become evident, in addition to helping vets to determine the extent of the disease, what the best form of treatment may be, and how a dog is responding to chemotherapy.
If your dog's breed is considered at risk for bladder cancer, don't hesitate to ask your vet whether the CADET Braf test is right for your dog.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.