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Bladder Cancer in DogsBladder cancer in dogs accounts for approximately one percent of all canine cancers.
The most common type of malignant bladder tumors in dogs is transitional cell carcinomas (TCC), which usually affects the neck of the bladder in the area called the trigone.
Since both ureters from the kidneys empty urine into the bladder in the trigone area, a tumor in this region is inoperable. At times, tumors may also arise in the upper
part of the bladder. These tumors are usually more easily removed surgically.
Bladder cancer in dogs usually has a poor prognosis because about 50% of dogs are being diagnosed too late - at the time of diagnosis, the cancer has already spread
(metastasis) to other parts of the body, such as the pelvis, the lumbar vertebrae, and regional lumph nodes.
Depending on the location of the tumor in the bladder, and whether it has metastasized, survival time can range from weeks to more than a year upon diagnosis.
If untreated, canine bladder cancer can result in complications from urinary tract obstruction such as inability to urinate, and/or metastases, usually within three to
six months.
Signs of Bladder Cancer in DogsSigns of canine bladder cancer include:
Causes of Bladder Cancer in DogsThe exact cause of dog bladder cancer is unknown. However, cancer causing chemicals (carcinogens) excreted in the urine may cause the cells on the bladder and urethra walls to become cancerous. TopRisk Factors for Bladder Cancer in DogsThere are various factors that seem to be linked to the development of canine bladder cancer: Environmental Chemicals Environment chemicals such as lawn insecticidal sprays, mosquito sprays, flea and tick dips tend to increase the risk of developing bladder cancer in dogs. Medication Used The drug cyclophosphamide, and its metabolized carcinogenic chemical called acroleinis, is known to cause bladder cancer in dogs. Therefore, if your dog has been treated with this drug, pay careful attention to see if he shows some of the above signs of bladder cancer. Genetics Dog bladder cancer is more common in certain breeds of dogs. Specifically these breeds are most vulnerable:
Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer in DogsIf there is persistent blood in your dog's urine, take her for a complete medical check-up immediately. To diagnose bladder cancer, cytology examination of urine will be used to identify and evaluate tumor cells. Complete blood cell count (CBC) will also be used to evaluate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In addition, abdominal X-rays and ultrasonography will be taken to evaluate the location and extent of the bladder tumor, and to check for metastasis. TopTreatment for Bladder Cancer in Dogs
Please note that treatment of bladder cancer is rarely curative. More often than not, treatment only means controlling the cancer temporarily, relieving pain and discomfort
caused by partial urinary tract obstruction, making the dog more comfortable and improving her quality of life. As mentioned above, when bladder cancer is diagnosed,
usually it is already in a very advanced stage and has already metastasized to other parts of the body, such as regional lymph nodes.
Conventional treatment for canine bladder cancer may include one or a combination of the following:
Chemotherapy
The primary treatment for most bladder tumors includes the use of traditional chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin, carboplatin, adriamycin, and mitoxantrone. These drugs
do have some effectiveness in controlling bladder tumors.
A newer approach uses a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug called piroxicam (Feldene) which has shown anti-tumor effects against transitional cell carcinoma, as well as
decreasing inflammation associated with the tumor.
Remissions of six months or longer have been achieved with chemotherapy.
Surgery
This treatment option is only possible for small masses confined to certain locations in the bladder (upper part of the bladder). Unfortunately, as mentioned above, many
transitional cell carcinomas are found in the neck of the bladder, rendering surgery impossible.
Radiation
Radiation can be used for local control of TCC growth in the bladder in some dogs. Unfortunately, radiation of the bladder can cause adverse side-effects such as fibrosis,
bladder inflammation, and difficulty urinating.
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Natural Remedies for Bladder Cancer in DogsAlthough natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathic remedies, and natural supplements may not be able to destroy tumors, they are nonetheless effective in strengthening the immune system, making the body stronger to fight against diseases such as cancer. Some dog parents have reported success in using the herbal formula "Essiac" to treat canine cancer, while others swear by such remedies as the "Budwig Diet". For more information on these and other natural remedies for canine cancer, please visit our pages on Herbs for Cancer in Dogs and Dog Cancer Diet.Related Topics Dog Cancer Symptoms of Dog Cancer Conventional Cancer Treatment for Dog Patients Herbs for Cancer in Dogs Dog Cancer Diet References S. Messonnier, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (New World Library, 2006). A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999). TOP OF Bladder Cancer in Dogs |
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