What is Transitional Carcinoma (CBT) in dogs?
Transitional cell carcinoma (CBT) is the most common malignant tumor of the bladder in dogs. It usually develops in the bladder trigone (the area where the ureters open out), often making surgery impossible. It is known to perfectly simulate chronic cystitis: blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, and frequent urination. If a “cystitis” does not heal after two courses of antibiotics, CBT should be suspected immediately.
Symptoms: When to worry?
The symptoms of transitional bladder cancer in dogs can vary depending on the degree of progression of the disease. Initial symptoms may include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and increased frequency of urination. As the disease progresses, the dog may show signs of pain, lethargy, weight loss, and even urinary incontinence. The clinical manifestations of canine bladder cancer are similar to those of urinary tract infection and may improve with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy. The signs are similar to those of a urinary tract infection (UTI):
- Hematuria: Blood in the urine (often at the end of pee).
- Pollachiuria: Pee very often, a few drops at a time.
- Stranguria: Noticeable exertion and pain while urinating.
- Lameness: (Severe sign) If the tumor metastasizes to the bones or presses on the vessels, the dog may limp.
Predisposed breeds (genetic factor)
Some breeds have an exponential risk (up to 20 times higher):
- Scottish Terrier (The most affected of all).
- West Highland White Terrier (Westie).
- Shetland Sheepdog.
- Beagle.
Diagnosis: The “BRAF Test” and the Danger of Biopsy, Diagnosis: Beware of the Needle Aspiration!
Unlike other cancers, cystocentesis (needle sampling through the belly) is often not recommended for bladder CBT.
- Seeding Risk: The needle, coming out, can “seed” cancer cells in the abdominal wall, spreading the cancer.
- The solution (BRAF test): Today there is a non-invasive molecular test (BRAF Test) that looks for the specific genetic mutation directly on a spontaneously collected urine sample. Ask your oncologist!
Medical Therapies and Holistic Support Since surgery is often impossible, therapy is multimodal:
- NSAIDs (Piroxicam/Meloxicam): They are not only for pain. Piroxicam has been shown to have an anti-tumor effect on TCC, slowing down its growth. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in the treatment of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, the main side effect is an irritating effect on the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. If symptoms such as lack of appetite, vomiting, dark stools occur during therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it is necessary to stop administering the drug and contact the veterinarian immediately.
- Chemotherapy: (Vinblastine or Mitoxantrone) can prolong survival.
- Diet and Vegetables: One study showed that dogs (Scottish Terriers species) that eat leafy greens and yellow-orange vegetables (carrots) 3 times a week have a reduced risk of developing CBT.
Early diagnosis is essential, but so is immediate support. Don’t wait passively.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bladder Cancer
How long does a dog with bladder cancer live?
Without treatment, survival is unfortunately short (a few months) due to urinary obstruction. With medical therapy (Piroxicam + Chemo), many dogs live with a good quality of life for 6-12 months or more.
Does the dog feel pain when peeing?
Yes, CBT causes constant inflammation (similar to severe cystitis). For this reason, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory therapy is the top priority to ensure well-being.
Can bladder cancer be operated on?
Rarely. Because it is located in the “trine” (a vital point of passage), complete removal is difficult without damaging the ureters. Sometimes stents or lasers are used to clear the passage and make the dog urinate better.
Dog Bladder Tumor Survival
What is the prognosis and survival in case of Transitional Bladder Carcinoma in dogs? Much depends on the choice of pharmacological treatments and the natural and holistic supports that must be targeted:
Normally during naturopathic consultations I make use of various remedies: Phytotherapeutics, Micronutrients, Mycotherapies etc always alongside medical therapy. As with any other pathology, Naturopathy is never an alternative to medical treatment, but rather a complementary intervention to support the animal.
Scotties & Veggies Study
Study: Evaluation of the effect of dietary vegetable consumption on reducing risk of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in Scottish Terriers.
The Scotties & Veggies Study: Prevention in the Bowl”
“Did you know that a simple carrot can save your dog’s life? In 2005, researchers at Purdue University conducted a study on Scottish Terriers (a breed unfortunately genetically ‘condemned’ to bladder cancer). The result was incredible: dogs that ate green or yellow-orange leafy vegetables (such as carrots) at least 3 times a week were up to 90% less likely to develop Transitional Carcinoma than those who ate kibble alone. There is no need to upset the diet: just add fresh vegetables (even blanched/blended to digest them better) to the usual bowl.”
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