How to Tell the Difference Between UTI and Bladder Cancer in Dogs?

When beloved pets show signs of urinary health distress, pet owners often face the challenge of distinguishing between UTI vs bladder cancer in dogs. Paws into Grace understands the anguish and uncertainty that accompany these diagnoses and offers experienced support for informed decision-making. Discover the causes, ways to alleviate symptoms, appropriate treatment options, and end-of-life care to avoid further suffering.

UTI vs Bladder Cancer in Dogs: Does My Dog Have a UTI or Bladder Cancer?

Distinguishing between a urinary tract infection and bladder cancer in canine companions without veterinary diagnostics is challenging. The key takeaway is clear: if your older dog (over 6 years of age) shows symptoms consistent with a urinary tract infection, additional cancer screening is warranted to rule out underlying bladder cancer.

Since starting Paws into Grace in 2007, I’ve seen how families struggle with their dog’s quality of life deterioration due to poor urinary health. I believe it’s important for owners to understand the symptoms for early detection and intervention. This allows pet owners to keep beloved pets comfortable until the disease progresses and euthanasia becomes the best option to relieve suffering.

Cause	UTI	Bladder Cancer
Cause	Primarily a bacterial infection (E. coli).	Abnormal cell growth, often transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)
Risk factors	Bladder stones, underlying diseases, female dogs are more susceptible	Genetic predisposition (example: Scottish Terriers), environmental toxins
Location	Affects the lining of the dog’s bladder (cystitis)	Commonly forms bladder tumors in the trigone region, causing obstruction
Symptoms	Frequent urination/bloody urine that often resolves with antibiotics	Similar symptoms plus persistent issues, severe lethargy, unexplained lameness, or genital swelling
Diagnosis	Confirmed by a culture test of a dog’s urine to identify bacterial infection	Requires advanced imaging for early detection; confirmed by biopsy/BRAF test.
Treatment	Appropriate treatment options are short courses of antibiotics; address bladder stones	Multi-modal, including surgical removal, radiation therapy, and pain management

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that commonly affects the lower urinary tract of many dogs. This is characterized by inflammation and irritation of the bladder lining (cystitis). This condition significantly impacts the dog’s comfort and urinary health, often presenting with symptoms like frequent or difficult urination.

Predisposing Factors

These factors compromise the normal defense mechanisms of the urinary tract, allowing bacteria to thrive in the dog’s bladder. Identifying these risks early is vital for effective management and preventing recurrence to protect the dog’s urinary health.

• Female dogs: Their anatomical structure increases the likelihood of bacteria migrating from the outside to the urinary tract.
• Dilute urine: Low concentration or improper pH of the urine reduces its natural bacteriostatic properties.
• Underlying diseases: Conditions such as Cushing’s disease and diabetes impair the immune system or increase urinary glucose concentration, which facilitates bacterial growth.
• Urolithiasis (bladder stones): Bladder stones provide surfaces for bacterial adhesion, leading to chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections.
• Incomplete bladder emptying: Lack of proper hygiene or residual urine serves as a medium for bacteria to multiply.

Pathology

In a dog’s urinary health, the primary cause of a UTI involves the bacterial ascent from the urethra (often E. coli), where microorganisms successfully colonize the dog’s bladder mucosa. This invasion causes cellular damage and activates an immune response, resulting in localized inflammation.

Persistent infection can compromise the integrity of the urinary health system of your pet dog. This can potentially lead to secondary complications like bladder stones or ascending kidney infection.

What Is Bladder Cancer in Dogs?

Dogs develop bladder cancer from the abnormal growth of cells in the urinary bladder, most commonly arising from transitional cell carcinoma. These cancerous cells can lead to partial or complete urine obstruction or bladder irritation, detrimental to a dog’s urinary health. A highly malignant tumor arises from transitional cells that normally line the bladder walls.

The most prevalent form of canine bladder cancer is known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) or urothelial carcinoma, which encompasses other types of urinary tract cancers. Out of the various urinary system cancers in dogs, transitional cell carcinoma accounts for up to 90% of all bladder tumors. 

Other, less common primary bladder tumors include leiomyosarcoma, adenocarcinoma, fibrosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and hemangiosarcoma. Lymphoma may involve the bladder secondarily. In male dogs, infiltrative prostatic carcinoma frequently invades the bladder and can mimic primary bladder cancer.

A breakdown of these below:

• Leiomyosarcoma: This type of cancer originates from the smooth muscle within the dog’s bladder wall.
• Adenocarcinoma: This is a glandular cancer that can also occur in the urinary bladder.
• Lymphoma: A tumor arising from white blood cells (lymphocytes) that can affect the bladder wall.
• Fibrosarcoma: This is a malignant tumor arising from the fibrous connective tissue in the bladder.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: This form of cancer originates from the protective outer layer of cells in the bladder.
• Hemangiosarcoma: This is a malignant tumor of blood vessel cells that can develop in the bladder.
• Infiltrative prostatic carcinoma: This type of carcinoma spreads into the bladder from the prostate gland in male dogs.

Genetics and Risk Factors

Canine bladder cancer, especially transitional cell carcinoma, comes from a combination of different factors, including genetics and environmental factors. Urine test for bladder cancer in dogs shows that a mutation in the BRAF gene is common in these dog breeds: 

• Scottish Terriers
• Beagles
• West Highland terriers
• Wire Fox Terriers
• American Eskimo Dogs
• Australian Cattle Dogs
• Australian Shepherds
• Lhasa Apsos
• Bichon Frises
• Border Collies

This type of cancer can also occur in other breeds and mixed-breed dogs. Aside from the breed, the following factors may also cause this canine cancer that weakens urinary health.

• Lawn insecticide and pesticide exposure: Chemicals, such as herbicides and insecticides, are commonly found in yards. This increases risk because carcinogens can be ingested or absorbed and then concentrate in the urine, damaging the bladder lining.
• Female dogs: Female dogs are at higher risk due to their anatomy and tendency to hold urine longer. This allows potential toxins and carcinogens to sit against the bladder lining for extended periods, causing cellular damage.
• Prolonged use of over-the-counter flea dip products: Certain older or more concentrated chemicals in these dips may contain or metabolize into carcinogens. These chemicals can accumulate in the urinary bladder and cause bacterial infections.
• Overweight dogs: The increased risk in overweight dogs may be linked to chronic low-grade inflammation. The altered metabolic processes associated with obesity can promote cancer development.
• Older dogs: A bladder tumor should be suspected in an older dog if there are recurrent infections that don’t go away after antibiotic treatment. These growths are predisposed to getting infected.

Location and Impact

Bladder cancer in dogs most commonly affects the trigone (bladder neck), where it can obstruct urine flow and cause clinical signs that often mimic urinary tract infection. As the disease progresses, it can significantly impair a dog’s ability to urinate and may lead to secondary complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections and inflammation.

This devastating disease has a high metastatic potential. The poor urinary health causes immense distress both for dog owners and their beloved pets as the disease spreads to distant organs.

What Are the Clinical Signs and Physical Symptoms of UTI and Bladder Cancer in Dogs?

Unfortunately, bladder cancer symptoms in your fur babies may also resemble those of a urinary tract infection. In some unfortunate cases, this urinary health disease may be left untreated because a simple urinary tract infection or bladder stones were suspected. Despite that, dog owners can still be aware of the most common signs of UTI and bladder cancer in dogs.

Shared Symptoms Between UTI and Bladder Cancer

Shared infection symptoms occur because both a simple bacterial infection and canine cancer primarily cause irritation and inflammation of the bladder lining. Recognizing this common pathway is critical because relying solely on outward signs can lead to inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, delay proper diagnosis, and worsen the dog’s urinary health.

• Hematuria: Often the first sign for both, as the tumor disrupts the normal bladder. Blood in the dog’s urine is caused by the tumor bleeding or the surrounding tissue in the bladder becoming inflamed.
• Pollakiuria: Pet owners confuse frequent urination with urinary incontinence or dribbling urine. Frequent urination is different from incontinence because the patient is attempting to urinate and posturing to urinate frequently.
• Dysuria: The presence of bacterial infection in the dog’s bladder indicates discomfort or difficulty urinating. Dogs may strain to urinate, leading to constant pacing in attempts to urinate without success or only a few drops.
• Incontinence: Urinary accidents may often occur if the bladder invades the urethra or portions of the bladder.

Definite Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

These symptoms are likely caused by a tumor causing bladder inflammation. The tumor is not healthy normal tissue in the bladder. Canine cancer tumors are more common in older dogs and female dogs compared to males.

This type of aggressive cancer may also spread to other parts of the body, including the remaining parts of the urinary tract system, such as the urethra, ureters, kidneys, and prostate in male dogs. It also spreads easily to distant sites such as the lungs, lymph nodes, and liver. This type of distant spread is called metastasis and may cause: 

• Genital swelling: Indicates invasion or possible parietal urethral obstruction, causing pain and difficulty urinating.
• Lethargy: Advanced cancer may cause fatigue, weakness, and weight loss.
• Constant pacing: There may be discomfort or a sensation that the bladder needs to be voided, causing pacing and restless behavior.
• Seizures: Advanced cancer can spread to the brain or liver.

How Are Canine UTI and Bladder Cancer Diagnosed?

Studies show that around50,000 dogs will be diagnosed with bladder cancer annually, with tumors already metastasized or spread to other organs in 15% to 20% at the time of diagnosis. These tests can help determine if the urinary symptoms are concerning and indicative of bladder cancer. There is difficulty with diagnosis because oftentimes the physical exam is normal.

Unfortunately, most bladder cancer is not caught early on, and in some cases, it may have spread throughout the body at the time of diagnosis. According to veterinary oncologist Dr. Sue Ettinger, approximately 15% of patients have lymph node metastasis. Meanwhile, 20% of dogs will have distant metastasis to the lungs or liver by the time the cancer is diagnosed. 

Bladder cancer often goes undetected until later stages due to symptoms that closely resemble those of a routine urinary tract infection or bladder stones. Dogs with bladder tumors may exhibit identical symptoms and may even experience recurring or stubborn infections concurrently. 

Early Detection Screening

Early detection can help treat conditions affecting your dog’s bladder, offering the best chance of a positive outcome for your beloved pet. As a proactive pet owner, you can discuss these screening options with your veterinarian, especially if you have an at-risk breed.

• Urinalysis (UA): This diagnostic test examines a concentrated urine sample for abnormal cells, such as those associated with transitional cell carcinoma, or the presence of crystals that could indicate impending bladder stones. A urinalysis can provide initial clues about inflammation, infection, or bleeding within the urinary tract.
• Urine culture and sensitivity (C&S): Performing a culture can definitively rule out bacterial infection as the sole cause of symptoms and can accurately identify the specific bacteria present. The sensitivity component then helps select the correct antibiotic for effective treatment, which is important if signs persist after initial antibiotic trials for the dog’s bladder.
• Bloodwork (CBC/Chemistry): As part of early detection, comprehensive blood work can reveal signs of infection and inflammation. The kidneys or liver may also be affected with elevated values. It’s also very common for the blood panel to be normal.

Advanced Imaging

Advanced imaging techniques are utilized when a mass or abnormality of the dog’s bladder is suspected. Vets can move beyond basic screening to precisely locate and characterize the disease. These tools allow veterinarians to assess the tumor’s size, its relationship to critical structures, and to look for signs of metastasis, which is beneficial for treatment and pain relief planning.

• Abdominal ultrasound: An ultrasound provides a detailed picture of the dog’s bladder to scan for tumors or thick walls. It’s also effective at identifying the presence of bladder stones. This non-invasive method measures the size of any suspicious growths and guides further diagnostic procedures.
• Endoscopy: During this procedure (cystoscopy), a small camera is inserted into the urethra to visually inspect the inner lining of the dog’s bladder and urethra. It allows for direct visualization of lesions, which is often necessary to obtain a definitive small tissue sample for diagnosis.
• Radiography (X-rays): If a dog’s bladder tumor is detected, chest X-rays can check if the affected cells have not spread or metastasized to the lungs. X-rays can also reveal bladder stones that may be contributing to the dog’s symptoms.
• Surgical biopsy: A small tissue sample is collected from any suspicious growths or irregularities detected during a cystoscopy or ultrasound. This procedure is vital because chemotherapy protocols are based entirely on the specific cancer cell type.

Definitive and Non-Invasive Diagnostics

With the help of modern veterinary medicine, these specialized tests achieve greater diagnostic accuracy. This can determine the best course of action beyond initial pain management. By confirming or ruling out cancer, they guide decisions that impact your dog’s urinary health and allow for targeted treatment plans.

• Urothelial carcinoma antigen (UCA): This test is an early non-invasive screening tool that detects specific antigens shed by tumor cells into the urine. While quick, results can sometimes be falsely positive. This is particularly common if the dog has an infection or bladder stones, which may require additional diagnostics.
• Cytology/histopathology: This gold standard requires obtaining a cellular or tissue sample (often via catheter or biopsy) to microscopically examine cells for malignant changes. This technique is the most reliable way to definitively diagnose cancer and distinguish it from benign lesions or bladder stones.
• Cadet BRAF testing: This non-invasive test detects a mutation prevalent in some forms of canine cancer. This test is very sensitive at detecting bladder cancer, monitoring response to treatment, and assessing urinary health status.

What Are the Treatment Options and Prognosis for Dogs With UTI or Bladder Cancer?

Pet parents need to understand the available options, from surgical removal to pain management, to make sure their dog’s bladder cancer or UTI receives the appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms. Making informed decisions is critical to your pet’s prognosis and comfort.

Treatment Options for UTI

The most critical component for a bacterial infection is the administration of antibiotics specifically chosen to combat the invading bacteria. This tailored approach is achieved by selecting the medication based on culture and sensitivity results, guaranteeing your beloved pets receive the most appropriate treatment. 

If bladder stones are present and contributing to the infection, they may need to be addressed through diet, medical dissolution, or surgery to prevent recurrence of the bacterial infection. It’s important that your dog completes the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms resolve quickly, to achieve a complete cure and maintain urinary health.

Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer

Knowing the available options can help you choose the best way to treat the disease and alleviate symptoms. However, the best choice depends on your dog’s current urinary health. You must consult your vet to create a tailored plan that aims to achieve the best possible quality of life for your beloved fur baby.

• Surgical removal: The first and preferred treatment is surgery if the tumor can be resected or removed with complete margins and isn’t near the lower portion of the bladder. Surgery is ideal if the tumor is small and hasn’t spread near the bladder’s neck or trigone. The survival time with surgery alone is 3-4 months because the tumor will recur or grow back without further treatment, such as chemotherapy.
• NSAIDS: Dogs with transitional cell carcinoma often receive medical therapy in the form of drugs. The cornerstone of transitional cell carcinoma treatment is the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication Piroxicam, which reduces tumor volume and clinical signs due to its excellent near 100% oral absorption.
• Chemotherapy and NSAIDS: With the help of chemotherapy and an anti-inflammatory drug, dogs with bladder cancer have a median survival rate of 303 days. The combination of chemotherapy and medications reduces inflammation, gives pain relief, and suppresses tumor growth.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to target and kill cancer cells in the area affected by transitional cell carcinoma. This local treatment can reduce tumor size and improve urinary function. However, not every patient is a candidate.

Prognosis

With early detection and the appropriate treatment, a dog with a UTI can have an excellent recovery. In contrast, untreated UTIs can ascend to the kidneys, causing a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which can eventually lead to kidney failure.

The average life expectancy of dogs after a diagnosis of cancer in the bladder is about four to six months, even with anti-inflammatory medications. The prognosis depends mostly on early detection. Some dogs may live for a year or longer with appropriate treatment, such as surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, or NSAIDS.

Unlike in human bladder cancer, wherein the condition has a better prognosis, canine bladder cancer is more life-threatening. As the tumor progresses, a dog’s quality of life may worsen, lowering their chance of survival. The cancer is invasive, aggressive, and has a high metastasis potential.

End-of-Life Care Options

For beloved pets, pain management, hospice, or in-home pet euthanasia are recommended to prevent further suffering when the canine bladder cancer has progressed. 

• Hospice care: Hospice care provides supportive measures to keep your dog comfortable during their final days. When treatment is not an option due to advanced disease or other factors, hospice offers nutritional support and emotional support for your family.
• Pain management: Pain management focuses on multimodal medications to provide effective pain relief and improve your dog’s quality of life. The goal of pain management is to maximize comfort, especially for symptoms impacting urinary health and your dog’s bladder.
• Euthanasia: In my practice, I’ve seen many families face challenging treatment decisions about when to euthanize dogs with bladder cancer. I approach this conversation with kindness, making sure you understand that euthanasia can be a compassionate choice when your dog’s quality of life has significantly deteriorated, and the cancer has progressed or spread to other organs. 

Related Questions

Does My Dog Have a UTI or Bladder Cancer?

Only a veterinarian can determine if affected dogs have a UTI or cancer, which often affects the urinary bladder in older dogs, especially female dogs. Although the symptoms are similar, a precise diagnosis requires professional testing to identify the underlying cause.

How to Tell the Difference Between UTI and Bladder Cancer?

The definitive way to differentiate between the two is to analyze a dog’s urine sample and perform imaging. These methods contribute to the early detection of cancer and the effective management of urinary health. A UTI typically responds quickly to antibiotics, while bladder cancer symptoms persist despite initial treatment.

What Are the First Signs of Bladder Cancer in Dogs?

Identifying the signs of cancer in the bladder involves keenly observing a dog’s urinary habits. Frequent attempts to urinate, producing small amounts each time, and the presence of blood in the urine are concerning indicators.

Can Bladder Cancer Be Misdiagnosed as UTI?

Bladder cancer can be misdiagnosed as a UTI because the conditions present with the same symptoms, such as frequent urination and blood in the dog’s urine, which are common to a bacterial infection. This misdiagnosis occurs because the tumor on the bladder wall causes inflammation mimicking a simple infection.

Does Bladder Cancer Cause UTI in Dogs?

Bladder cancer can indirectly predispose a dog to bacterial infection by obstructing urine flow or damaging the urinary bladder lining. These issues can also lead to the formation of urinary bladder stones, further complicating the animal’s urinary health.

What Should Pet Owners Do Once a Dog Gets Diagnosed With UTI?

It’s important for pet owners to make sure that their canine companion completes the full course of prescribed antibiotics to fully clear the infection and restore urinary health. A follow-up analysis of the dog’s urine can confirm if the infection is gone. Continue following your vet’s recommendation on proper hygiene, diet, and medications to effectively alleviate symptoms.

What Should Dog Owners Do When Pets Get Diagnosed With Bladder Cancer?

Dog owners can consult with their vet to determine the appropriate treatment plan for their beloved pet’s specific type of cancer, such as transitional cell carcinoma. This information is important, especially if you have female dogs or breeds like Scottish Terriers. Treatment options range from surgical removal and medication to specialized procedures for pain relief, and maintaining proper hygiene is also vital during this time.

How Does Bladder Cancer Progress?

The progression of bladder cancer, particularly transitional cell carcinoma, often starts locally, invading the dog’s bladder wall before spreading to surrounding tissues. As the cancer progresses, it can become metastatic, spreading to distant sites like the lymph nodes, lungs, or bones. Additionally, if the tumor obstructs the dog’s urine flow, the backup of waste can damage the kidneys and cause kidney failure.

Can Chemotherapy Drugs Combat Bladder Tumors in Dogs?

Chemotherapy drugs are a common part of the standard treatment plan for bladder tumors in dogs, often used to shrink the tumor and slow disease progression. In some cases, targeted radiation therapy may also be used in conjunction with chemotherapy to manage the cancer in the dog’s bladder.

Can Dog’s Bladder Stones Return Even After Treatment?

Unfortunately, a dog’s bladder stones can return even after the appropriate treatment. This may happen particularly if the underlying cause, like a poor diet, lack of proper hygiene, or a chronic bacterial infection, is not fully managed. Monitoring the acidity and composition of the dog’s urine is key to preventing recurrence and avoiding secondary infections.

Can You Prevent UTI and Bladder Cancer in Dogs?

While you cannot fully guarantee prevention of UTI or bladder cancer, maintaining proper hygiene and encouraging adequate water intake can significantly reduce the risk of UTIs in your beloved pets. Regular veterinary check-ups are the best defense, helping pet owners catch issues early.

Conclusion

Being aware of the differences between UTI and bladder cancer in dogs allows you to advocate for your beloved pet’s urinary health and make informed care decisions when it matters most. If your dog’s quality of life is severely compromised by either of these conditions, our compassionate in-home euthanasia lets your faithful friend pass peacefully in a familiar setting, surrounded by the love they’ve always known.