Symptoms of Canine Bladder Carcinoma
By Tess Thompson It is generally suspected that over exposure to insecticide dips for removing fleas and ticks, sprays used in households and marshlands and other carcinogenic chemicals lead to occurrence of canine bladder cancer. These tend to cling to the walls of the bladder and urethra and lead to the development of cancerous cells. Bladder cancer in dogs is a life threatening condition in most cases. This is because a large majority of canine bladder cancer is diagnosed as malignant tumor known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). It usually originates in the transitional epithelium linings of kidneys, bladder or ureters and is the most common type of bladder cancer found in dogs. Certain breeds of dogs are genetically predisposed to urinary tract infections. In dogs this is also a major cause behind the occurrence of the condition. Breeds that are more vulnerable include Shetland Sheepdogs, Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Beagles and Wirehaired Fox Terriers. Other factors that influence occurrence of bladder cancer are gender (females are more affected), neutering, (neutered dogs are at a greater risk) and obesity. Symptoms of canine bladder carcinoma tend to remain concealed for a long time in pets. Even when the symptoms reveal themselves, they are usually mistaken for canine or feline urinary infection. Most often than not, it is an unresolved treatment of urinary tract infection in dogs that leads to the detection of a tumor in the bladder. If the dog shows the following symptoms you should ensure that you include investigations like X-Ray and or ultra sound imaging along with the routine blood and urine tests.
Treatment modalities are not curative and only attempt to control the disease temporarily. Drugs that allow partial relief from obstruction in the urinary tract are prescribed to make life easy for the pet for as long as he lives.
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