Ultrasound for possible bladder tumor

[BethG]

My female rott Cleo had ultrasound yesterday for her bladder. She just turned 7 years old is is spayed. She has been peeing in the house (big puddles) and acting as if she has frequent urges to pee. Vet has done blood work and urinalysis – nothing significant. No blood in urine. Did X-rays, which showed slight abnormality, but not stones, thus the need for ultrasound. Ultrasound showed some mass at the top of her bladder, but not clearly a tumor. (I am paraphrasing the vet here.) End result is she still does not know what the problem is, and is in process of researching and consulting with other vets. She is not sure cystoscopy will be adequate since she is such a big dog. The mass has a “cobblestone” like appearance. She is not sure if it is within the wall of the bladder.

Just wondering if anyone has a similar experience? Cleo is otherwise acting normal. Lots of energy, big appetite. Does not seem to be drinking more than usual. I am still waiting to hear back from vet as to how to proceed. I think she is leaning toward exploratory surgery, which was recommened by vet that did the ultrasound.

Cleo has no history of bladder infections. Just one time last summer when she seemed to strain to urinate. That went away on its own before I could begin treatment with antibiotic.

I appreciate your comments.
Thanks, -BethG

[frontierrots]

have you had a urine sample sent out to a lab? If you have did the results show any transitional cells? My recently passed old Rott had transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Biopsies are not recommended for this form of cancer because it spreads like mushroom spores if disturbed


I posted some info here about Angelica's cancer plus I have some info somewhere. let me see if I can find it quick and I'll come back and post it

[frontierrots]

here it is

http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/sho...bladder+cancer

[BethG]

Hi Diane, thanks for your quick reply. The urine sample was sent out to a lab, and the vet said nothing about tcc cells. Is tcc something a vet would typically look for in this instance? I didn't think to ask her, but I have to say she is very thorough. (I'll ask when she contacts me again.) The odd thing is Cleo seems fine otherwise. All blood and urine analysis show nothing abnormal. Thanks for the links too.

[frontierrots]

Originally Posted by BethG

Hi Diane, thanks for your quick reply. The urine sample was sent out to a lab, and the vet said nothing about tcc cells. Is tcc something a vet would typically look for in this instance? I didn't think to ask her, but I have to say she is very thorough. (I'll ask when she contacts me again.) The odd thing is Cleo seems fine otherwise. All blood and urine analysis show nothing abnormal. Thanks for the links too.

I don't know. If they have never had a client's dog with TCC maybe they would not. The last urine analysis I had done showed just a few transitional cells, so it did get less and to the point where I had to mention what they were looking for, so maybe it's not very obvious

[BethG]

I can't stand waiting, so I just checked with the vet's office, and there was nothing in the urine lab results about checking for tcc. I left a message for my vet to call me and discuss. thanks!

[LUVMYROTTNBOY]

You need to ask if the urine was sent for cytology. If not I would suggest that you have the test done if its possible. Also Urine cytology can be tricky as the cells degenerate fast so if the Dr. strongly thinks he's dealing with a tumor, best to have multiple samples taken. For humans they often take 3 samplesfor voided urines on on a regular schedule. Dont know what they do with dogs.