Caller Denise asks if transitional cell carcinoma is really a death sentence and what she can expect after her dog Sadie’s diagnosis.
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common bladder cancer in dogs. While there is no cure, Dr. Nancy Reese does consider this cancer to be treatable and you can dramatically improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life with medications.
TCC can also be diagnosed with a special urine test, which is much easier to do and less stressful for your dog than a surgical biopsy (not to mention less expensive!).
As the cancer progresses, it can become uncomfortable and may even obstruct the bladder and prevent the dog from urinating. About 50% of cases will eventually spread to other parts of the body as well. But treatment will usually keep your dog comfortable for 6 months to a year.
Listen in to learn where this cancer can occur, how it is diagnosed, and options for treatment.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Show:
- CADET® BRAF and CADET® BRAF-PLUS Urine Tests for Bladder Cancer - https://www.antechdiagnostics.com/laboratory-diagnostics/molecular-diagnostics/cadet-braf-plus
Related Links:
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma – What You Need to Know About Your Dog’s Cancer Podcast Episode - https://dogcanceranswers.com/transitional-cell-carcinoma-what-you-need-to-know-about-your-dogs-cancer/
- Chemotherapy for Dogs Demystified | Dr. Sue Ettinger Deep Dive Podcast Episode - https://dogcanceranswers.com/chemotherapy-for-dogs-demystified-dr-sue-ettinger-deep-dive/
- Metronomic Chemotherapy for Dogs with Cancer Article by Oncologist Dr. Susan Ettinger - https://www.dogcancerblog.com/articles/full-spectrum-cancer-care/conventional/chemotherapy/metronomic-chemotherapy-for-dogs-with-cancer/
- The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity by Dr. Demian Dressler and Dr. Susan Ettinger - https://dogcancerbook.com/
About Today’s Guest, Dr. Nancy Reese:
Dr. Nancy Reese is a small animal veterinarian with over 30 years of clinical experience taking care of cats and dogs and other critters in the Sierra Nevada foothills. She is also a perpetual student and researcher, as evidenced by her many degrees. In addition to her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis, she earned a Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis and then a Ph.D. in Epidemiology at UC Davis. If you string all her letters out after her name it looks like this: Nancy Reese, DVM, MPVM, PhD. In her spare time, she volunteers to help evacuate and shelter animals caught up in disasters, and she’s currently training to help in human search and rescue efforts. Dr. Reese lives in a log cabin with her husband, her 13-year-old golden retriever, and her two 13-year-old cats. Her hobbies include boosting the quality of life and longevity for all animals in her care, hiking, travelling, and cross-country skiing. Oh, and lots of dog walking. degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.
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For episode notes, resources, guest bios and a transcript, please visit https://dogcanceranswers.com/
Have an inspiring True Tail about your own dog’s cancer journey you think would help other dog lovers? Share your true tail with our producers - https://dogcanceranswers.com/share-your-true-tail/
Helpful Resources:
To join the private Facebook group for readers of Dr. Dressler’s book “The Dog Cancer Survival Guide” go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogcancersupport/
Dog Cancer News is a free newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit http://bit.ly/dcn_yt
