DOGS · Condition guide
Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Dogs: what real veterinary cases show
Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) is a type of cancer that primarily affects the urinary bladder in dogs. It is the most common form of bladder cancer in canines and can also occur in the urethra and kidneys. This condition is more frequently seen in older dogs, with certain breeds such as Scottish Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Beagles being at a higher risk. Symptoms often include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and frequent urination attempts.
Diagnosing TCC can be challenging, as its symptoms often mimic those of other urinary tract issues like infections or stones. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing the disease and improving the quality of life for affected dogs. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
What vets typically check for
- Perform a thorough physical examination and obtain a detailed history.
- Conduct urinalysis and urine culture to rule out infections.
- Use imaging techniques such as ultrasound or X-rays to identify tumors.
- Consider cystoscopy and biopsy for definitive diagnosis.
- Discuss treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, and NSAIDs.
Not a replacement for veterinary care. Use this to walk into the conversation prepared, not to self-diagnose.
Real cases from the veterinary literature
Peer-reviewed reports our semantic search surfaces for Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma. Click into any case for the full abstract — or run a personalised search with your pet's exact details.
- Papillary Adenocarcinoma of the descending colon in a dog: case report
Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia · BR
A 9-year-old Beagle was brought in with soft stools, blood in the stool, and difficulty passing bowel movements. After an ultrasound and surgery to remove a tumor from the colon, the diagnosis was confirmed as papillary adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer. The vet also removed nearby lymph nodes for testing. Following surgery, the dog received chemotherapy with carboplatin, cyclop
- Magnetic resonance imaging and pathological features of a mixed glioma in a dog: case report
Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia · BR
A 12-year-old male Boxer was found to have a brain tumor called a mixed glioma after undergoing an MRI and a necropsy. The MRI showed an abnormal area in the brain that was causing swelling and distortion of nearby structures. Unfortunately, the dog had already passed away by the time the diagnosis was made. The findings from the MRI and tissue examination confirmed the presenc
- Molecular Heterogeneity of Canine Cutaneous Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors: A Drawback in the Diagnosis Refinement.
In vivo (Athens, Greece)
A group of dogs with skin tumors were examined to determine whether these tumors were benign or malignant. Out of 40 tumors studied, 17 were found to be benign and 23 were malignant. The malignant tumors showed higher levels of a specific protein (S-100) and had a greater rate of cell growth compared to benign ones. While diagnosing these tumors can be challenging, a marker cal
- Partial cystectomy and bilateral ureteroneocystostomy for resection of invasive transitional cell carcinoma involving the trigone area of the bladder in a dog - case report
Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia · BR
A 10-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog was diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer (transitional cell carcinoma) affecting the trigone area. The dog underwent a partial cystectomy, which involved removing part of the bladder, and a procedure to reattach the ureters to the bladder. This surgery helped prevent urinary blockages caused by the tumor and aimed to slow the cancer's spread
- Tubulopapillary rectal adenocarcinoma in dog: clinical, surgical, pathological and immunophenotypical aspects: case report
Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia · BR
A 10-year-old Yorkshire Terrier was diagnosed with a rare type of rectal cancer called tubulopapillary adenocarcinoma. After surgery to remove the tumor, the cancer unfortunately spread to other parts of the body, including the intestines, bladder, kidneys, lymph nodes, liver, and lungs, within six months. The dog's prognosis was affected by the extent of the cancer's invasion
- Calculi vesicalis in a bitch (a case report)
Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences · TR
A 2.5-year-old female dog weighing 5 kg was brought in for frequent straining to urinate, along with dribbling and blood in her urine. Upon examination, the vet found a hard object in her abdomen, which was later identified as a large bladder stone. The dog underwent surgery to remove the stone, but unfortunately, she died after the procedure due to kidney failure caused by the
Frequently asked questions
- What are the symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma in dogs?
- Symptoms include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and frequent urination attempts.
- How is transitional cell carcinoma diagnosed?
- Diagnosis involves urinalysis, imaging, and possibly cystoscopy with biopsy.
- What treatment options are available for dogs with TCC?
- Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and NSAIDs to manage symptoms.