what causes bladder cancer in cats

What are signs of bladder infection in cats?

While we don’t know the exact causes of bladder cancer in cats, we do know that bladder cancer is more likely to affect male cats, and obesity is also a risk factor in developing bladder cancer. Of all bladder cancers diagnosed in cats, between 50-70% of bladder tumors in cats are called transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). These tumors affect the “transitional cells”, or cells that …

What causes bladder problems in cats?

 · Causes of Bladder Cancer in Cats The cause of transitional cell carcinoma has not been fully explained. Some experts believe one potential reason could be the presence of cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens) that are excreted in the urine and to which the cells lining the bladder and urethra can be exposed.

Does my cat have a bladder infection?

While this cancer usually presents as a tumor in the bladder, Transitional cell carcinoma can also cause cancerous tumors to appear in the kidneys, the ureters, or the urethra. Symptoms of Bladder Cancer in Cats The majority of clinical signs denoting a cat that has bladder cancer are going to relate to the urination process.

What causes kidney cancer in cats?

 · Proper diet and regular exercise are important for your cat, and a statistical association of obesity and bladder cancer in cats has been identified. Exposure to the drug cyclophosphamide used to treat cancer and some immune-mediated diseases and its carcinogenic breakdown product (acrolein) has been incriminated in development of bladder …

Is bladder cancer common in cats?

In cats, cancer of the bladder is very rare. Invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common type of cancer in the canine bladder. This type of cancer is most often seen in older female dogs, with breeds such as Scottish Terriers and Shetland Sheepdogs topping the list.

How do indoor cats get cancer?

Interestingly, risk factors for cancer in cats are very similar to those in humans. Exposure to tobacco smoke, asbestos, prolonged sunlight, and lack of exercise have often been linked to increased risks of cancer development in both cats and humans.

What organism causes bladder cancer?

Several investigators support the idea that schistosomiasis is aetiologically related to the development of bladder cancer in individuals infected with Schistosoma haematobium. Approximately 70% of those with chronic schistosomiasis who have bladder cancer develop squamous cell rather than transitional cell carcinoma.

What causes TCC in cats?

Causes of Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Cats Like with most cancers, the underlying cause of transitional cell carcinoma is unknown. Known carcinogens called renally excreted tryptophan metabolites accumulate in the bladder and are one potential chemical known to cause these types of cancers.

Are cats in pain when they have cancer?

Similar data on cancer pain and its treatment in companion animals do not exist, but a conservative estimate is that at least 50% of veterinary cancer patients experience some degree of pain.

How can you prevent cancer in cats?

Having your cat spayed or neutered drastically lowers the cat’s risk of certain types of cancer (as well as other health problems). In females, going through repeated heat cycles without breeding increases the risk of mammary cancer. Spaying lowers this risk while eliminating the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers.

What are the 5 warning signs of bladder cancer?

Here are five warning signs to watch for:Blood in the urine (hematuria). This is the most common early symptom of bladder cancer and typically the first sign of bladder cancer that is seen. … UTI-like symptoms. … Unexplained pain. … Decreased appetite. … Postmenopausal uterine bleeding.

What chemicals can cause bladder cancer?

Chemicals called aromatic amines, such as benzidine and beta-naphthylamine, which are sometimes used in the dye industry, can cause bladder cancer. Workers in other industries that use certain organic chemicals also may have a higher risk of bladder cancer.

What is usually the first symptom of bladder cancer?

In most cases, blood in the urine (called hematuria) is the first sign of bladder cancer. There may be enough blood to change the color of the urine to orange, pink, or, less often, dark red.

What does blood in cat urine look like?

Blood in Cat Urine: Signs to Look For Hematuria may cause urine to turn pink or red. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, some of the other signs you may see along with a change in the urine’s color include: Increased drinking. Increased urination.

How can you tell a cat’s quality of life?

By scoring your cat’s pain and energy levels, appetite, mobility, and overall demeanor, you can more easily measure your feline’s quality of life. Print out this form and take it to your veterinarian to go over and score each area.

How do I know if my cat has a urinary tract infection?

The most common symptoms of urinary tract infections in cats include straining to urinate, reduced amounts of urine, not urinating at all, pain or discomfort when urinating, passing urine tinged with blood and urinating around the house, outside of the litter box.

What food prevents cancer in cats?

There are no proven dietary changes or nutritional supplements that have been definitively shown to prevent cancer in dogs and cats.

Can humans get cancer from cats?

Neither disease is infectious to humans,2 and there is no scientific evidence that humans, even if immunocompromised, are susceptible to these or any other cancers by direct transmission.

When is it time to put a cat down with cancer?

When to Put a Dog or Cat Down: Things to ConsiderTerminal Disease. … Uncontrolled Pain or Loss of Mobility. … Untreatable Aggression or Behavioral Disease. … More Bad Days Than Good Days.

Are cats more susceptible to cancer?

Unaltered cats have a significantly increased risk of mammary and testicular cancers. Feed your cat a healthy diet. Poor nutrition and obesity can increase your cat’s chances of not only developing cancer but also many other diseases.

How do you know if your cat has bladder cancer?

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer in Cats. The majority of clinical signs denoting a cat that has bladder cancer are going to relate to the urination process. Most cats will start to exhibit odd behavior as it pertains to using the litter box. Some cats might express an inability to urinate as well.

How to remove bladder tumor in kitten?

The main option is to perform surgery to remove the cancerous bladder tumors along the bladder wall of your cat. Surgical removal is used on a case-by-case basis, so it’s hard to say if your cat will need to go under anesthesia and endure surgery. The decision to surgically remove the cancer is less likely to be made for elderly cats and incredibly young kittens alike because the operation is risky for cats at both ends of the age spectrum.

What organs do cats use to pee?

The kidneys tend to be the primary organ that is pressed down upon, seeing as the urine remains inside of the kidneys if the bladder is not accessible. Additionally, catheters are helpful in situations where obstruction of the bladder isn’t the main contributing factor. Sometimes, cats cannot control when or where they urinate, so catheters take that difficulty away by collecting the urine whenever it begins to flow through the bladder.

What is the bladder in a cat?

Considered part of the pelvic region of your cat’s body, the urinary bladder is responsible for holding onto urine before it is emptied when your cat uses the litter box. As a muscular sac that sits right by the pubic bone of your cat, the bladder is an essential part of your cat’s overall internal processes.

Why do cats need a urine test?

The medical professionals trained in understanding cat behavior will likely perform urine tests as well because it’s essential that they determine whether the circumstances are the result of urinary bladder cancer or a urinary tract infection. Symptoms can manifest very similarly for these two very different situations, so diagnosing cats is a test-intensive process.

What is a TCC in cats?

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is a prevalent type of bladder cancer for cats, and more cats get diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma than other types of bladder cancer every year. TCC can be thought of like a very intense version of all that we’ve explained thus far.

Where does TCC occur in cats?

TCC always manifests as a tumor in the urinary tract system of cats, often embedding itself within the bladder wall of felines. Like cancer, transitional cell carcinoma has the potential to spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes and other organs that are nearby.

What is the new test for bladder cancer in cats?

A relatively new test called V-TBA has become available to screen for the presence of a bladder tumor marker in the urine of cats suspected to have transitional cell carcinoma.

How long does it take for a cat to survive bladder cancer?

Survival time can range from weeks to more than a year.

What causes transitional cell carcinoma?

The cause of transitional cell carcinoma is unknown, but carcinogens, or cancer causing chemicals, that are excreted in the urine may cause the cells that line the bladder and urethra to become cancerous. Exposure to insecticide dips applied to kill fleas and ticks may increase the risk of developing this type of cancer.

What kind of doctor treats bladder cancer?

Your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary cancer specialist (oncologist) to discuss treatment options. Treatment for urinary bladder cancer may include one or more of the following: Surgery for small masses confined to certain locations in the body of the urinary bladder.

How to identify bladder tumors?

Occasionally, bladder tumor cells can be identified by microscopic examination of the urine. Kidney function can be evaluated by a test of urine concentration called “specific gravity.”. Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate for tumors in the bladder and urethra, stones in the urinary tract, or urinary tract obstruction.

How does radiation therapy help with bladder cancer?

Radiation therapy can be used to treat some bladder cancers by directing a beam of radiation at the affected area and sites of metastasis. Radiation therapy is a highly specialized form of treatment available only at selected referral centers and teaching institutions. Radiation therapy is associated with adverse effects because overlying skin and surrounding tissues also can be damaged by the radiation. A veterinary oncologist should be consulted about the advisability of radiation therapy for your pet’s bladder cancer.

Does feldene help with transitional cell carcinoma?

Cancer chemotherapy for some cats with transitional cell carcinoma. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam (Feldene®) has show some promise in symptomatic treatment of some cats with transitional cell carcinoma. In one study, tumors regressed in approximately 25 percent of treated cats, remained stable and did not grow in 50 percent …

How to treat a tumor in a cat’s bladder?

If the cancer hasn’t yet spread to other organs, then surgical removal of tumors may be an effective treatment for the cancer. Chemotherapy may be effective for some cats.

How do you know if your cat has bladder cancer?

Symptoms of feline bladder cancer include: Labored breathing. Coughing. Lowered activity levels. Straining to defecate or urinate. Frequent urination accompanied by the excretion of very small amounts of urine. Bloody urine.

What tests can be done to check for bladder cancer in cats?

Your vet will need to perform a number of tests to confirm bladder cancer and rule out the possibility of other conditions that show the same symptoms. He’ll need your cat’s complete medical history, if available, and he’ll perform a physical exam during which he’ll palpitate your cat’s abdomen, bladder and urethra to check for growths there. X-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests can confirm the presence of tumors and other indicators of cancer, such as elevated white blood cell counts.

How long does bladder cancer last in cats?

In most cases, the cancer has already spread before a diagnosis has been made. Cats may survive any length of time, from a few weeks to longer than a year, after diagnosis.

Why does my cat keep peeing?

Difficulty urinating isn’t always a symptom of bladder cancer, but it could be a symptom of infection, or of a developing urinary blockage. Older male cats are particularly susceptible to such blockage.

Does piroxicam help cats?

Chemotherapy may be effective for some cats. Treatment with the drug piroxicam may help stop tumor growth or even reduce the size of your cat’s bladder tumors.

Can cats have cancer?

Bladder cancer is rare in cats, but usually occurs as transitional cell carcinoma. Vets believe that certain carcinogens are excreted in the urine, and can cause cancer in the lining of the bladder and urethra.

Why do cats get bladder cancer?

Urinary bladder cancer in cats, as well as in all other mammals, occurs for idiopathic reasons. Cancer itself is the result of mutated cells upsetting the body’s routine regulation of cell replacement, but the particular reason why this happens is not straightforward. Genetics likely play a role. Veterinary specialists have reported that obese felines have a higher chance in developing the disease, but excessive weight is not directly linked to this condition.

How to diagnose bladder cancer in cats?

Diagnosing urinary bladder cancer in cats begins with a physical examination, blood tests and urinalysis to rule out the possibility of a urinary bladder infection. However, a urinalysis can also detect the signs of urinary cancer too, as traces of cancer cells can occasionally be found in the urine. A feline’s blood work often has a normal result even if he or she does have urinary cancer, but a blood analysis is helpful to evaluate other organs the cancer may be affecting. Your veterinarian may choose to perform a VBTA test, or veterinary bladder tumor antigen test, a type of urine screening test to detect a bladder tumor. The VBTA test will either show a positive or negative result. If the result is positive, your veterinarian may proceed to perform the following diagnostic exams:

Why can’t Lily pass urine?

There are a few possible causes for urinary difficulties which may include infections, inflammation , cancer, urinary stones among other causes. Without examining Lily I cannot say for certain what the cause is, but if she cannot pass urine you should take her to your Veterinarian as soon as possible to determine a cause and decompress the bladder. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

What is the best treatment for bladder cancer in cats?

Your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug, such as pirioxicam, to relieve bladder pain and provide a better quality of life for your cat. Ask your veterinarian about the best recovery and management options for your cat, as each urinary bladder cancer case is different.

What happens if a cat has an obstructed urethra?

If the feline has an obstructed urethra, the cat will have a full bladder without the ability to urinate, which become s an emergency situation instantly. If your cat is continuously going to the litter box to urinate and no urine has been passed, seek emergency veterinary help immediately.

How long does a cat live with bladder cancer?

Cats that have received treatment are estimated to live between six months to a year, whereas untreated cats often pass at four to six months.

What is a cystogram for cats?

A cystogram is a test that introduces a special dye that will highlight the insides of the cat and highlight the tumor on x-ray.

How to make a diagnosis of bladder disease?

A definitive diagnosis can be made from an examination of the diseased tissue (histopathology) using tissue samples (biopsies) obtained from exploratory surgery, or from cystoscopy – an examination of the bladder and ureters, performed by inserting a tube through the urethra.

What is the diagnosis of a cat?

Diagnosis. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your cat, with a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, a urinalysis and an electrolyte panel. You will need to provide a thorough history of your cat’s health leading up to the onset of symptoms.

What is a rhabdomyosarcoma in cats?

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Urinary Bladder in Cats. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a very rare metastasizing (spreading), and malignant type of tumor. It may derive from stem cells, or originate in the striated muscle that surrounds the developing Müllerian or Wolffian ducts.

What does a cytologic examination of urine sediment indicate?

If rhabdomyosarcoma is, in fact, present, the urinalysis will show bloody urine, and a cytologic (microscopic) examination of urine sediment will indicate rhabdomyosarcoma. The bladder may be internally examined using ultrasound, or double-contrast cystourethrography imaging (which uses an injection of dye into the bladder and urethra to show …

How to tell if a cat has bladder cancer?

Signs of a potential problem. Cats with bladder cancer can show signs such as bloody urine, straining to urinate, frequent urination or difficulty urinating that may result in accidents outside of the litter box.

What is the most common cancer in cats?

Transitional cell carcinoma. The most common kind of bladder cancer in cats is called transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), which originates in the cells lining the bladder. This malignancy tends to occur in older, male cats, and like most cancers, it’s not clear what causes it. It’s possible for cats to have other types of cancers or benign …

Why does my cat not like the smell of the litter box?

Most of the time, it’s because of fairly innocuous reasons, like the cat doesn’t like the scent or texture of the litter. Or someone (who shall remain nameless) has failed to clean the box. Or worse, the cat is stressed by the bathroom remodeling project. But sometimes, there can be something more serious involved, like urinary bladder cancer.

Can cats have cancer?

Other types of cancer, such as lymphoma, may be found in the bladder, and chemotherapy may be an option. Thankfully, bladder cancer is still relatively uncommon in cats.

How long can your cat live if it has bladder cancer?

Knowing how long your cat has left to live with bladder cancer is important because this will help you figure out when it should be euthanized.

Signs your cat does not need to be euthanized yet

How do you know if it is the right time to euthanize your cat? These topics will cover exactly when you do not need to euthanize your cat.

Signs your cat may need to be euthanized soon

Here are some signs that you should look out for to see if your cat needs euthanasia. More often than not, cats in a severe state of bladder cancer need to be euthanized.

Other alternatives you can opt for besides euthanasia

Remember we mentioned that there are different methods you can go for to treat your cat’s bladder cancer?

What is the tumor of the bladder and kidney in cats?

Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Renal, Bladder and Urethra in Cats. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is a malignant (aggressive) and metastasizing (spreading) cancer arising from the transitional epithelium – the highly stretchable lining of the urinary tract system – of the kidney, ureters …

What causes TCC in cats?

The underlying cause of TCC is unknown in cats. TCC occurs most commonly in female cats.

What is the best way to test a cat for a urinary tract infection?

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your cat, into account the background history of symptoms and possible incidents that might have led to this condition. You will need to provide a thorough history of your cat’s health leading up to the onset of symptoms. A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, a urinalysis and an electrolyte panel. Urine should also be sent for culture and sensitivity testing since a concurrent urinary tract infection is common.

What is the procedure used to examine the urinary system?

Intravenous pyelography, a procedure that is used to take an X-ray image of the urinary system, will be used to examine the urinary tract, bladder and kidneys. For this procedure, a contrasting dye will be injected into the bloodstream, to be picked up by the kidneys and passed through through the ureters, bladder and urethra.