Disease Description: As in humans, cancer arising from the bladder.

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Disease Symptom: Dogs with bladder cancer often have blood in their urine, strain to urinate, have painful urination, and urinate often. The dog may have recurrent urinary tract infections. Transitional cell carcinoma can sometimes spread to the bone, in which case the dog may appear lame. If the cancer is causing a blockage of urine, the dog may also vomit, not eat, and act lethargic.

Disease Cause: -

Disease Diagnose: The symptoms of bladder cancer are virtually the same as those seen in dogs with urinary tract infections or bladder stones, so bladder cancer must be distinguished from these other diseases. The dog's abdomen will be palpated and a rectal exam will be performed. The bladder tumor may be identified through these procedures. Ultrasound examination and special radiographs (x-rays) of the bladder may make it possible to visualize the cancer. In addition, it is necessary to obtain cells (a biopsy) from the tumor and examine them microscopically to make a definitive diagnosis. Ultrasound and radiographs of the chest are taken to look for metastasis (spread) of the cancer. A complete blood count, chemistry panel and urinalysis should be performed, as well.There is a blood test called a V-BTA test that is used to screen for transitional cell carcinoma in dogs. The test is not perfect, however. If the test result is negative, one can be fairly confident that transitional cell carcinoma is not present. If the test is positive, cancer may be present, or the positive test could be due to other disease conditions.

Treat Method: Unfortunately, transitional cell carcinomas usually have become quite large by the time they are diagnosed, and because of their location in the bladder are very difficult, if not impossible, to remove. Removal of the entire bladder (cystectomy) has been performed in some cases.Multiple types of chemotherapy have been used to treat this cancer, but the response is generally not as good as with some other cancers. Chemotherapy may be combined with the use of a drug called piroxicam, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can greatly improve the quality of life for dogs with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Radiation therapy has been used on some occasions, but side effects affecting urination have caused complications.

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Disease Description Source: Link