Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer (urothelial carcinoma) is a malignant tumour of the bladder mucosa, accounting for approximately 2% of all cancers in dogs and particularly affecting older bitches.

Which dogs are particularly prone to bladder cancer?

Scottish Terriers carry an 18-fold increased risk – a genetic peculiarity of this breed. West Highland White Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs and Beagles are also affected more frequently than average. Bitches are twice as at risk as males; the average age at diagnosis is 10 years.

How do I recognise the first signs?

Blood in the urine is the most common symptom – often visible as a pinkish or dark red tint. The dog passes urine drop by drop, straining or yelping in pain. Some dogs become incontinent again because they can no longer control the urge to urinate.

In later stages, loss of appetite and weight loss are added. A distended abdomen may indicate fluid accumulation if the tumour has already formed metastases.

How is bladder cancer diagnosed?

The vet first palpates the bladder – tumours feel like hard nodules. Ultrasound shows the exact size and location of the tumour. A urine test detects cancer cells; a tissue sample (biopsy) confirms the diagnosis definitively.

X-rays of the chest check whether metastases have already formed in the lungs. According to specialist literature, this is the case in around 20% of cases at the time of diagnosis.

What treatment options are available?

Complete surgical removal is usually not possible, as bladder tumours often sit at the neck of the bladder – where the urethra and bladder connect. Chemotherapy with carboplatin can extend survival time by an average of 6 months.

NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs) can slow tumour growth. Pain therapy and antibiotics against urinary tract infections noticeably improve quality of life.

What is the prognosis?

Without treatment, dogs survive an average of 4 to 6 months after diagnosis. With chemotherapy, survival time increases to 8 to 12 months. Around 10% of treated dogs live longer than 2 years – usually those with small tumours that were detected early.