Dog Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder

Transitional cell carcinoma is the most common bladder tumor in dogs, and piroxicam-based treatment can achieve meaningful palliation.

Key Facts

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) accounts for approximately 2% of all cancer in dogs
Scottish Terriers have a dramatically elevated risk - approximately 20 times higher than other breeds
TCC originates in the transitional epithelium of the bladder, urethra, or rarely upper urinary tract
Signs include blood in urine, frequent urination, and straining - easily confused with lower urinary tract infection
Diagnosis requires abdominal ultrasound and urinary cytology or biopsy
Piroxicam (an NSAID) has demonstrated anti-tumor effects in TCC and improves survival as a standalone treatment
Vinblastine, mitoxantrone, and other chemotherapy agents provide additional benefit in combination with NSAIDs

Welfare Considerations

TCC causes urinary signs including blood, straining, and frequent urination that are acutely distressing. Advanced disease obstructs the urethra, causing urinary obstruction - a painful emergency. Piroxicam-based treatment can maintain reasonable quality of life for many months, providing meaningful palliation even without curative potential.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary evaluation for any dog with persistent urinary signs including blood or straining
Request urine cytology alongside standard urinalysis for Scottish Terriers with urinary signs
Ask your vet about piroxicam as a palliative treatment option for confirmed TCC
Monitor urinary function carefully - obstruction is an emergency requiring prompt intervention
Consider specialist oncology consultation to explore combination treatment approaches