Transitional Cell Carcinoma

What is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)?

TCC is an invasive, malignant cancer of the cells lining the urinary system. TCC tumors penetrate the bladder wall muscle layers, and may eventually obstruct urine flow, which is a medical emergency. In approximately 20% of dogs diagnosed with TCC, the cancer has spread to other  body organs (i.e., metastasis). Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to develop TCC, which has also been linked to lawn chemicals, and older generation flea control products. Early TCC signs in dogs can mimic a urinary tract infection or bladder stones. 

What are common TCC signs in dogs?

Early signs include:

• Frequent urination of small amounts
• House accidents
• Incontinence

Intermediate to advanced signs include:

• Straining to urinate
• Blood in urine
• Irritability and abdominal pain
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Inability to urinate

How is TCC managed in dogs?

Many dogs with TCC have a concurrent urinary tract infection, which must be addressed. The neck of the bladder (i.e., trigone) is a common TCC location in dogs, which makes surgical tumor removal difficult. Chemotherapy and/or anti-inflammatory medications have been shown to inhibit tumor growth. Dogs with TCC need regular veterinary visits and diagnostic monitoring. Discussing a personalized management plan with your veterinarian, and a veterinary oncologist, is important for the best outcome for your dog.

What is the prognosis for dogs with TCC?

The prognosis for dogs with TCC depends on whether the cancer has metastasized, and their treatment response. With anti-inflammatory medication alone, the median survival time is six months. With the addition of chemotherapy, the median survival time can increase to one year, but is less with prostate or urethral involvement. Unfortunately, metastatic TCC has a poorer prognosis because of the dog’s late cancer stage, but can vary with treatment.

Management tips for dogs with TCC  

At-home needs include:

• Easily accessible food and water, and a comfortable location
• Strict consistency with medications
• Monitoring urination, appetite, vomiting, weight, and energy level

For end-of-life care:

• Try to keep your dog safe and comfortable
• Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration
• Monitor for pain or discomfort
• Evaluate your dog’s quality of life with our scoring tool
• Track progression of their health with our calendar

In a crisis situation:

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog stops eating, vomits, cannot urinate, collapses, or vocalizes in pain.

Before your dog‘s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life, beginning end-of-life care discussions is vital. Learn more about pet hospice, in-home euthanasia, and our teleadvice service, or contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area, so you can feel fully prepared for this progressive disease.