Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common type of bladder cancer diagnosed in dogs. Based on their location and/or size, tumors can block the flow of urine into or out of the bladder, which makes dogs very sick very fast. Transitional cell carcinomas also can spread out of the urinary tract, typically to the lungs and lymph nodes within the abdomen. It is important for owners to understand the symptoms associated with TCC to avoid potentially catastrophic delays in treatment.
Diagnosing TCC
Transitional cell carcinoma is most frequently diagnosed in older, spayed female dogs. Scottish Terriers have an especially high incidence of the disease, and in this breed, exposure to lawn herbicides has been shown to increase a pet’s risk for developing TCC. Beagles, Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, and West Highland White Terriers are also at higher than average risk for TCC.
The most common symptoms associated with transitional cell carcinoma are straining to urinate, urinating small amounts frequently, urinary incontinence, and the presence of blood in the urine. These same clinical signs are often seen with other types of urinary tract disease, so diagnostic tests are necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis. These may include:
- urinalysis – tumor cells are sometimes detectable during a routine urinalysis. Many dogs with TCC also have a urinary tract infection.
- bladder tumor antigen test – if this urine test is negative, the chances that a dog has TCC are very low. Positive results indicate that a dog might have TCC and need to be confirmed with other tests.
- x-rays – bladder tumors can be visible on x-rays, particularly when contrast agents are infused into the bladder. Abdominal and chest x-rays are also used to screen for spread of the cancer.
- abdominal ultrasound – ultrasound is another good way to visualize tumors in the bladder and check for metastases in the abdomen.
- biopsies – tissue samples taken from the tumor and evaluated by a pathologist may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of TCC.
Treatment and Prognosis
Because they are typically located near the area where the urethra exits the bladder, transitional cell carcinomas
are often difficult to treat surgically. Most cases of TCC are best treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation. Studies have shown that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories like piroxicam and deracoxib have activity against TCC, so they are often used in combination with traditional chemotherapeutic agents or alone when the situation warrants. Antibiotics are prescribed when a urinary tract infection is present.
All treatment protocols for TCC should be viewed as a way to prolong a pet’s life, not as a cure. Once a dog can no longer pass urine adequately and/or its quality of life is unacceptable in any other way, euthanasia is often the best option.
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I guess you could say I am a victim of TCC. I am a k9 officer and I had to put my partner of 9 years down because of TCC. We were doing a search of a school and her bladder had ruptured. After 9 years together, and countless drug finds, my partner and best friend had to be put to sleep. SO PLEASE get your dog checked!! Look for the warning signs and ask your vet to do a urine check every year.
Very interesting. Can the same thing happen to a cat?
Our dog, a 10-year old male, came down with the same symptoms – only because there was snow on the ground did I notice the pinkish tinge in the urine one morning. Our Vet in Ridgewood, NJ (Dr Cerf) performed surgery (after explaining there was NO guarantee about the results) in Feb, 2006. The surgery (and piroxicam therapy) extended his life another 6 months: in August the cancer had redeveloped with a vengence and we were forced to ‘do the right thing’ – we realized that prolonging his life would be selfish on our part, and we wanted to end his life with dignity. The surgery and therapy was very expensive, but we had the satisfaction of knowing that we did everything reasonably possible to save his life…would I do it again? Not sure
In retrospect, the first signs for us came when we noticed our 10 year old Lab mix was straining to urinate. For several months our vet suspected a tumor but didn’t mention TCC. She even did x-rays and ultrasounds. But then we noticed he was wetting his bed at night. We took him to an oncologist vet who told us it was TCC. But unfortunately, it was already too late. The cancer had spread and he declined rapidly. In just over a week, we had to have him euthanized. He had stopped eating anything and was vomiting foam. I knew he was mortified by doing that in the house. Finally he gave me a look as if to say, “This is too hard. Take care of me.” So, reluctantly I did.
Just wanted to send a positive story. My parents dog was diagnosed with TCC last summer. It was found accidentally, while performing an ultrasound for a different issue. The dog had surgery to remove the bladder tumor, underwent chemo and has been taking piroxicam ever since. It’s been about 7 months and the dog is doing great. Eats well, and acts completely normal. Don’t know if it will ever progress or get worse, but she’s certainly enjoying a lot of quality time for now.