Bladder Cancer Treatment For Dogs:
Natural Supplements & Support
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common form of dog bladder cancer. It is a challenging diagnosis for pet owners as this cancer often spreads silently, with nearly 20% of cases already metastasized by the time it's detected. Since bladder cancer symptoms often mimic urinary tract infections, it’s important to consult a veterinarian if you notice any signs. Early detection can provide your dog with the best possible care and support.
While there is no cure for bladder cancer in dogs, a complementary treatment approach - including conventional veterinary therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, and anti-inflammatory medications, along with diet changes and immune support supplements - can help your dog live a more comfortable life.
Making a Dog with Bladder Cancer Comfortable: Tips for Quality of Life
Keeping your dog comfortable is one of the highest priorities when managing bladder cancer. Making a dog with bladder cancer comfortable involves a combination of pain management, immune support, and dietary adjustments. Here are some ways to enhance your pet’s comfort and quality of life:
Anti-Inflammatory Supplements - Adding natural anti-inflammatory supplements such as curcumin and medicinal mushrooms can help reduce bladder inflammation, easing discomfort and supporting immune function.
Pain Relief and Urinary Support - In addition to medications like NSAIDs, natural supplements such as Akutur Drops can help flush toxins and soothe the bladder lining, while Power Probiotic supports digestive health and strengthens immunity.
Dietary Adjustments - Feeding an anti-inflammatory, low-carbohydrate diet can reduce bladder inflammation. Grains, starchy carbohydrates and food allergens can weaken immunity and contribute to long-term inflammation. Vegetables contain carotenoids with antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties and are a natural source of polyphenols. A recent research study showed that Scottish terriers that ate green leafy vegetables and yellow-orange vegetables at least three times a week had a significantly reduced risk of developing TCC [1]. Our team provides free diet tips with every order to help guide you in choosing meals that support your dog’s health.
Maintaining Comfort at Home - Allow your dog frequent bathroom breaks to prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of accidents. Provide soft, comfortable bedding and a calm environment to help ease stress and promote relaxation.
Ensuring your dog’s comfort as they cope with bladder cancer can make a big difference in their overall quality of life.
What Is Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC)?
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common type of bladder cancer in dogs, responsible for nearly 95% of canine bladder cancer cases. This form of cancer originates in the lining of the bladder and is known for its invasive nature, often spreading to nearby tissues and organs, including lymph nodes, the ureters, and the urethra.
TCC tumors usually form at the opening of the bladder, where they can cause blockages that make urination painful for your dog. Dogs with TCC may strain to urinate, experience frequent urination, or have blood in their urine. If your dog has a tumor in the bladder, the symptoms can closely resemble those of a urinary tract infection, which may delay the diagnosis, especially as antibiotics may temporarily ease the symptoms. By the time TCC is detected, it is often advanced and may have metastasized to other parts of the body.
Less common bladder tumors include leiomyosarcomas, which arise from the bladder wall muscles, and fibrosarcomas, which originate from connective tissues.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer in Dogs
- Straining or difficulty urinating
- Frequent, small amounts of urination (dribbling)
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or discomfort when urinating
- Wetting on the floor, furniture, bed, etc.
- Frequent urinary tract infections
TCC Bladder Cancer in Dogs: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Since benign tumors, bladder infections or stones can cause symptoms similar to bladder cancer, a combination of tests are often used for diagnosis. Testing may include:
Urinalysis - Analysis of a urine sample to check for the presence of blood, infection, or abnormal cells.
Urine Sediment Cytology & Bladder Tumor Antigen Testing - Diagnostic tools that help detect bladder cancer in dogs by identifying abnormal cells and specific cancer markers in the urine.
Imaging Studies - X-rays or ultrasound may be performed to visualize the urinary system and look for abnormalities such as tumors or thickened bladder walls.
Cystoscopy - This procedure involves inserting a thin tube with a camera into the bladder to directly visualize any tumors or abnormalities.
Biopsy - A tissue sample may be obtained through a urinary catheter, cystoscopy or surgery for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
Complete diagnostic testing can help your vet or veterinary oncologist determine what treatment options may be helpful for your pet.
Most cases of TCC are treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Piroxicam, Previcox or Deramaxx. Surgical removal of bladder tumors can be done if the tumor is not located at the trigone (or neck) area of the bladder. This is relatively uncommon as most TCC in dogs is invasive into the bladder neck and wall.
How Long Can A Dog Live With Bladder Cancer?
The life expectancy of dogs diagnosed with TCC will depend on the location and aggressiveness of the tumor and if the cancer has metastasized to other organs. The average survival time for dogs with bladder cancer that receive no treatment is about 4-6 months. Using multiple treatment protocols can increase survival time. Dogs that are diagnosed early and receive more than one therapy can live over 2 years.
Which Pets Have A Higher Risk Of Developing Bladder Cancer?
The exact cause of TCC in dogs is unknown. However, there are certain factors that may increase the risk of developing this type of cancer, including:
Breed Predisposition - Certain breeds, including Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Beagles and Wirehaired Fox Terriers are more prone to developing TCC.
Environmental Factors - Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as certain herbicides or insecticides, may increase the risk of TCC.
Age and Gender - TCC typically affects older dogs, with a peak incidence around 9 to 10 years of age. Female dogs are generally more commonly affected than males.
While TCC is rarer in cats, it can occur in both males and females over the age of nine. No specific breed of cat shows a higher predisposition to the disease.
Recommended Supplements for Dogs with Bladder Cancer
Natural supplements available through Ask Ariel can provide supportive care, helping to manage inflammation and ease symptoms.
Akutur - These homeopathic drops can help flush out toxins and reduce inflammation in the bladder. When combined with Olive Leaf Extract and NOT Drops, it can help control recurring infections.
OncoPet Cancer Vitamin - A blend of antioxidants and beta-glucans from medicinal mushrooms to support immune health and reduce inflammation. OncoPet contains natural ingredients like D-fraction and L-ergothioneine to help boost the immune system and regulate your dog's inflammatory response.
Olive Leaf Extract For Pets - The natural antibacterial properties of Olive Leaf Extract make it effective against specific pathogens that can cause urinary tract infections. Bladder cancer treatment necessitates this natural supplement, as pets with bladder cancer typically have chronic urinary tract infections.
Power Probiotic - Probiotics are essential if your pet has taken antibiotics or steroids, which can kill off healthy bacteria, weakening your pet's immune response. Important for pets dealing with immune challenges, supporting a balanced gut microbiome and immune health.
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Happy Paws Drops CBD oil provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, and alleviate anxiety for dogs with bladder cancer. CBD may help improve the quality of life for pets by promoting comfort and supporting their immune system.
References:
1. Research Study: Evaluation of the effect of dietary vegetable consumption on reducing risk of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in Scottish Terriers. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2005 Jul 1;227(1):94-100. Malathi Raghavan, Deborah W. Knapp, Patty L. Bonney, Marcia H. Dawson, Lawrence T. Glickman.
Updated October 30, 2024
Written by: Susan Davis, Pet Health Nutritionist, CCN
All pet treatment protocols and pet treatment supplements have been reviewed and approved by a veterinarian
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