My dog has a bladder tumor. Is it possible it's benign, not cancer?

Hi there. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. So sorry to hear that Sweet Pea is having this issue. It is unlikely that the nose cancer spread to the bladder. The bladder cancer is a type of cancer called transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and that is not found in the skin. It is rare for bladder cancer to be anything but TCC. The skin tumor on her nose could be any number of types of cancer but it will not be TCC. My suspicion is that she is just unfortunate to have two separate types of cancer. Again, sorry you are dealing with this. Hope this answers your question. Best wishes.

Well this is quite strange. I don't know why the difference of 15 to 17 cells will make much a difference in the diagnosis. I would call them and try to get a more thorough explanation as to why they like to find the specific number of abnormal cells. If the urine does have an infection, I would have the UTi treated with antibiotics and then have the ultrasound repeated to see if the mass is still present. If so, I would probably just treat for transitional cell carcinoma which is the most common bladder tumor. You can visit an oncologist for chemo/radiation options. A lot of people just choose to put the dog on piroxicam which is an anti-inflammatory which helps to decrease the inflammation in the tumor but it isn't going to cure the cancer. Also I would put him on a joint supplement like dasuquin to help increase the mucus in the bladder wall which is also a natural anti-inflammatory. I hope this helps!

It really depends on the location of the tumor in the bladder. If the tumor is located near vital structures like the ureter or urethra than it will be extremely difficult to remove the tumor. You could take her to a veterinary specialist (oncologist and/or a surgeon) for a second opinion to determine the best way to treat. Radiation and/or chemotherapy may be help.

Hello, I’m so sorry about your pup. It’s a bit unusual for them to develop cancer unless it’s a venereal disease. We would need more specific information about a urineanalysis, cytology, surgery report and bloodwork to give you a better idea as to what may be going on. However it sounds like what you really need to determine exactly what is going on and what type of cancer she has if any would be to pursue further care with an internist or an oncologist. Speak to your veterinarian about a referral to see an internist. Again it’s a bit unusual for a dog this young to develop cancer in the bladder. A very bad UTI may indeed cause some cysts vs cancer will typically cause more solid tumors. We hope you can get further answers soon, best of luck.

Unfortunately there are not good treatments for transitional cell carcinoma, the most common type of cancer found in the bladder. If the tumor is inoperable then often anti-inflammatory medication like meloxicam is recommended to slow progression of the tumor. Chemotherapy is sometimes an option as well, but would not result in a cure. I'm so sorry for your loss - it sounds like Charlie was loved like a member of the family and you did what you could to keep him comfortable.

It could be that Chika has urinary stones causing the mass in her bladder and the red color of her urine. Another possibility could be a canine polypoid eosinophilic cystitis, also known as benign inflammatory fibrous polyp. In a year and half old dog, bladder cancer would be rare, so I wouldn't have that at the top of my differential list. I know it's scary, but I try not to get too worried just yet until you have the mass diagnosed. I hope this helps!

A surgical biopsy is most likely to be diagnostic (get enough cells to tell us the type of mass). Depending on the location, your vet may be able to do a traumatic catheterization or an ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirate. However, some of these masses or tumors could be spread of cells are spread during these types of tests. They are less invasive than surgery, but include the risk of spreading the tumor. They will also require heavy sedation or anesthesia.