My dog has urinary cysts. Is it cancer without a biopsy? What now?

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!

I would recommend to treat medically before doing any invasive procedure such as tissue biopsy. Inflammatory type of cystitis are common and bladder wall can be often thicker than normal (I should see the ultrasound images though to give you an opinion on that). mAnti-inflammatory medications (i would associate an antibiotic anyway even with negative culture) can be tried before deciding any invasive test. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for such detailed information. Cytology is rarely diagnostic for this disease so I would still be suspicious that a malignant tumor such as TCC is much more likely. This is because of what you described but also due to the fact that this is way more common than benign tumors of the bladder. There is a test that your veterinarian could consider which is easy to perform and is non-invasive. This is also very sensitive and specific meaning that typically a negative or a positive result can be trusted. This is called the BRAF test which is performed with a urine sample. Good luck and have a great day!

Poor girl. So sorry to hear she has cancer. Frequent urination, blood in the urine, and small amounts can be a sign of a urinary tract infection, bladder or kidney stones, bladder inflammation, or bladder cancers. Without some testing and an exam, we can't say for sure which of those it is. We will hope for something simple. She will need an exam, a urine test, and some xrays of that bladder. Give your veterinarian a call in the morning for an appointment.

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!

The blood could be coming from the tumor itself, or sometimes dogs with tumors are more likely to develop urinary tract infections. If she is also straining to urinate it may be that her quality of life is beginning to be affected. Before you make any decisions you should recheck with your vet. They could check her urine for bacteria and can also discuss what signs to look for that might indicate it is time to consider euthanasia.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Generally, surgery in small and young patients can be safe if done properly. I think you could consider perhaps evaluation by a board certified surgeon in your area as they generally have an experienced team able to perform more complicated procedures in more delicate patients. Good luck with your precious pup!