Bladder Polyp or TCC in a Young Pug: What Are the Chances?
by Richard tritten
(tavernier fl)
We know the fate if the tumor is diagnosed as TCC but were wondering if anyone had a dog with our dog's characteristics and whether we stand a good chance if it is just a polyp as oppossed to TCC.
It’s hard to wait for answers when a scan shows a mass. One thing in your favour is her age. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) mostly affects older dogs, usually around 9 to 11 years, so a bladder tumour in a dog under 3 is unusual.
A benign growth called polypoid cystitis is often linked to long-term bladder inflammation and infection, which fits the blood and pus in her urine. Dogs with polyps can look perfectly healthy otherwise. Many do well once the polyps are removed and any infection is cleared with antibiotics chosen by urine culture, although they can come back if the underlying problem continues.
The only way to tell the two apart for sure is to look at tissue under a microscope. Your vet may suggest a biopsy by cystoscopy (a camera passed into the bladder) or surgery. Needle samples taken through the bladder wall are usually avoided when cancer is possible, because they can spread tumour cells. A urine test for a genetic marker linked to TCC may also help. Ask your vet which option suits her.
You can read more about bladder cancer in dogs, including how it is diagnosed.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
