Your dog was diagnosed with Transitional Cell Carcinoma / Urothelial Carcinoma. Most common urinary tract tumour in dogs. Accounts for ~2% of all canine malignancies. Trigone location in >90% of cases, often involving ureteral orifices. Compare 7 treatment options for dogs including Piroxicam (COX-2 Inhibitor) Monotherapy, Mitoxantrone + Piroxicam, Vinblastine + Piroxicam — with survival times, costs, and what to expect during treatment.
Pet Cancer Options — Transitional Cell Carcinoma / Urothelial Carcinoma
Canine Oncology Treatment Guide
Transitional Cell Carcinoma / Urothelial Carcinoma
T1-T3, N0/N1
Epithelial
About This Cancer
Transitional cell carcinoma (also called urothelial carcinoma) is a cancer of the cells lining the urinary bladder, most commonly arising at the trigone — the area where the ureters enter the bladder and the urethra exits. This location means the tumour frequently obstructs urine flow as it grows. The cancer develops from the transitional epithelium, a specialised cell layer designed to stretch and contract as the bladder fills and empties. A specific genetic mutation called BRAF V595E is found in approximately 85% of cases and can be detected through a non-invasive urine test, aiding early diagnosis. Scottish Terriers are at dramatically elevated risk. The trigone location typically precludes complete surgical removal, so treatment usually relies on a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (which have direct anti-tumour activity in this cancer) and chemotherapy to control disease progression.
WHO TNM Staging for Canine Bladder Tumours
Modified TNM staging based on depth of invasion and nodal/distant metastasis
Prognostic Factors(4)
Minimum Workup(8 steps)
Median Survival Time Comparison
How long the average patient survives with each treatment
Each treatment is rated by how much published research supports its use. Solid bars indicate stronger evidence; dashed bars mean less certainty.
Please note: All treatment data is sourced from published peer-reviewed literature. Survival times and cost figures are approximate guides. Your pet's individual factors — including tumour grade, stage, and overall health — will influence outcomes and should guide all treatment decisions. The strength-of-evidence rating reflects how much research exists, not how strongly a treatment is recommended. This tool is designed to help you have informed conversations with your veterinary oncologist, not to replace them. Costs shown are US referral centre estimates and may vary significantly by region.