💊 Vet Guide to Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Dogs and Cats: Diagnosis, Treatment & Survival in 2025 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), also known as urothelial carcinoma, is a malignant tumor of the bladder lining, affecting both dogs and cats. Though relatively rare, it's the most common bladder tumor in dogs and a serious diagnosis. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we explore how to recognize TCC, how it’s diagnosed, treatment options available, and survival outlook for affected pets. 🧬

What Is Transitional Cell Carcinoma? 🧫

TCC arises from the transitional epithelial cells lining the bladder. These cells allow for expansion and contraction of the bladder, making them highly specialized—but also susceptible to tumor development. The tumor typically forms at the bladder neck, often involving the urethra and prostate in dogs. In cats, tumor location is more variable. 🐶🐱

• ⚠️ Highly invasive and often inoperable due to tumor location
• 🧪 Frequently mimics signs of urinary tract infections
• 📉 Prognosis depends heavily on early detection and staging

What Causes TCC? 🤔

While the exact cause is unknown, several risk factors have been identified:

• 🌿 Exposure to herbicides like phenoxy compounds (e.g., lawn treatments)
• 🍔 Obesity and urban living environments
• 🐾 Breed predispositions: Shetland Sheepdogs, Scottish Terriers, Westies, Beagles
• 🧬 Gender: Female dogs are more affected than males; opposite in cats
• 🌱 Protective diet: Feeding leafy greens and yellow/orange veggies 3x weekly reduces risk in Scotties

Symptoms of TCC 📋

TCC often mimics urinary tract infections (UTIs), making early diagnosis tricky. Common signs include:

• 🩸 Blood in urine (hematuria)
• 😣 Straining to urinate
• 🚽 Frequent or incomplete urination
• 🔍 Belly pain or a mass

Secondary infections often accompany TCC, further complicating diagnosis. Always pursue further testing if urinary symptoms return after UTI treatment. 🧪

Diagnosing Transitional Cell Carcinoma 🧠

1. Urinalysis & Culture

• 🧫 Identifies infection or abnormal cells (30% of TCCs shed tumor cells)
• 🧪 Cultures detect bacteria—essential to rule out infection vs cancer

2. Imaging

• 📷 Ultrasound: Visualizes tumors, polyps, or stones inside bladder
• 🩻 X-rays: Rule out stones; can't directly detect tumors unless contrast is used

3. Genetic Testing – BRAF Mutation (Dogs Only)

• 🧬 Detects 85% of TCCs via urine sample
• 🧪 Combined with BRAF-PLUS, detects 95% of cases
• ✅ Non-invasive and useful for at-risk breeds or ambiguous cases

4. Advanced Imaging & Biopsy

• 📽️ Cystoscopy: Camera-assisted bladder exploration and tissue biopsy
• 💉 Aspiration: Risk of tumor seeding—generally discouraged
• 🧵 Catheter or surgery-assisted sampling: Safer for tumor cell collection

Staging & Prognosis 📊

Staging helps determine how far the cancer has spread. Important tests include:

• 🩺 Ultrasound for bladder wall invasion and lymph node involvement
• 🫁 Chest radiographs to detect spread to the lungs

Median survival times vary by severity:

• 📍 Bladder only (no invasion): 218–234 days
• 📍 Local organ invasion: 118 days
• 🧬 Lymph node involvement: 70 days
• 🫁 Distant metastasis: 105 days

Treatment Options 💉

1. Surgery

• ✂️ Partial cystectomy: May extend survival to 12+ months
• 🧬 Tumor recurrence is common within 1 year
• 🛑 Full bladder removal: Rare and very invasive, with long-term management needs (e.g., incontinence, kidney monitoring)

2. Chemotherapy & NSAIDs

• 💊 Piroxicam (NSAID): Anti-inflammatory + anti-tumor effect
• 💉 Mitoxantrone: Combined with piroxicam—median survival 350 days
• 💎 Carboplatin or Gemcitabine: Higher remission but shorter survival

3. Radiation Therapy

• 🛠️ Intensity-modulated radiation now allows bladder targeting
• 📈 Survival time reported as high as 654 days in some studies
• 🌍 Limited to specialty hospitals with advanced equipment

4. Palliative Care Options

• 🚽 Permanent urinary catheter: Requires daily maintenance
• 🧬 Urethral stenting: Keeps urethra open for urination (risk of incontinence)
• 💡 Laser ablation + chemo: Vaporizes tumor tissue for symptom relief (mostly for female dogs)

Living With TCC: What to Expect ❤️

While TCC is aggressive, many dogs and cats enjoy several quality months with proper care. Ongoing treatment helps maintain comfort and prolong life.

• 🗓️ Regular monitoring and imaging
• 🧪 Periodic urinalysis and blood tests
• 🛌 Comfort care for advanced cases (diapers, home support)

Discuss a full treatment plan with your vet or a veterinary oncologist. Early action gives your pet the best outcome. 🐕🐈

Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston 👨‍⚕️

Transitional cell carcinoma is a challenging diagnosis, but advances in diagnostics, targeted therapies, and supportive care mean that pets today live longer and more comfortably. Whether you're exploring aggressive treatment or palliative options, know that you're not alone on this journey. 💪

Need help understanding treatment options or want a second opinion? Visit Ask A Vet or download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 access to veterinary experts. 🩺📱