More than half of the cancers that develop in a cat’s bladder are transitional cell carcinomas. Transitional cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor (cancer) that tends to form in the urinary tract, including the bladder. It is said that the prognosis is poor if the cancer recurs after surgery. However, we believe that taking measures to boost the immune system can improve the cat’s condition, maintain its quality of life (QOL), and restore its vitality and appetite. In fact, there are numerous cases where cancer in cats was controlled by using Cordyceps for immune support.
This page summarizes the causes, symptoms, treatments, and tips for improvement and cure of transitional cell carcinoma and bladder cancer in cats. We also introduce numerous examples of improvement. We hope this serves as emotional support and a beacon of hope for everyone.
- The causes of transitional cell carcinoma and bladder cancer may be related to foods containing synthetic additives or residual pesticides. Symptoms include hematuria, frequent urination, bladder hardness, and pain.
- If the tumor can be completely removed, surgery is the preferred treatment for transitional cell carcinoma and bladder cancer. Chemotherapy and medication are also options.
- Long-term administration of piroxicam is effective in preventing recurrence after surgery for transitional cell carcinoma and bladder cancer.
目次
Bladder Cancer and Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Cats
Most bladder cancers in cats are transitional cell carcinomas that arise from the transitional epithelium.
Bladder cancer in cats may be treatable with surgery. However, it is not uncommon for residual effects or complications to occur. Non-surgical treatment methods that aim to suppress the growth of the cancer are being explored. The bladder is a sac-like organ that stores urine from the kidneys. Malignant tumors that develop there are classified as bladder cancer.
Causes, Characteristics, and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer in Cats
Most tumors that develop in a cat’s bladder are malignant, with benign tumors being relatively rare. Malignant tumors, which are classified as cancers, have the characteristic of rapid growth and metastasis. Therefore, if suspicious symptoms appear, “waiting to see” is not an appropriate choice. Take your cat to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible.
The most common type is transitional cell carcinoma, and the prognosis is poor. Often, due to its similarity to cystitis in terms of symptoms, it is detected late.
The exact cause is unknown. In humans, bladder cancer is associated with smoking and inhaling organic solvents. For animals, it is advisable to avoid foods that contain synthetic additives or residual pesticides.
Symptoms may include hematuria and frequent urination. The bladder may feel hard or cause pain when touched. Ultrasound examinations and cytology are used for diagnosing cancer.
Surgery – Bladder Cancer and Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Cats
As a general rule, when a tumor can be completely removed, surgery is prioritized. Depending on the extent of the cancer spread, there are cases where only a part of the bladder is resected (palliative surgery) and cases where the entire bladder is resected (curative surgery).
During surgery, it is almost inevitable to damage the nerves of the bladder, which may lead to sequelae such as poor urine flow or frequent urination.
In cases where the entire bladder is removed, the urinary outlet may be changed. There is also consideration of redirecting urine to the intestines. However, the compensations from the surgery (such as decreased quality of life) are significant, so this is generally not commonly done.
Drug Therapy – Bladder Cancer in Cats: Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Anti-cancer drugs such as platinum-based (cisplatin, carboplatin) and taxane-based (Taxol, Taxotere) are used. However, their effects are limited, and it is almost impossible to cure the cancer with these drugs alone. Side effects may include decreased vitality and appetite, reduced immunity, and natural healing ability, which could paradoxically shorten the lifespan.
If you decide to undergo chemotherapy, by using Cordy for immune support and domestically produced SPF pig-derived placenta extract for liver and kidney care, you can expect an improvement in QOL (quality of life).
- Use of Anti-Cancer Drugs in Dogs and Cats – Side Effects and Precautions
- Use of Molecular-Targeted Drugs in Cancer Treatment for Dogs and Cats
- Types and Protocols of Chemotherapy and Anti-Cancer Drugs Used for Lymphoma in Dogs and Cats
- Minor Exposure to Anti-Cancer Drugs – Caution During Cancer Treatment in Pets
- Why 90% of Anti-Cancer Drugs Exhibit Side Effects
- I Was Recommended Anti-Cancer Drugs for My Dog or Cat, But What Are the Risks of Side Effects?
Piroxicam (brand name: Baxi) is used as a non-chemotherapeutic option. Although it is unclear why the anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam is effective against bladder cancer, it is believed that its mechanism of inhibiting the synthesis of inflammatory autacoids such as leukotrienes and thromboxanes is involved in cancer suppression.
The appeal of piroxicam lies in its mild side effects. While it can sometimes irritate the stomach, it is considered much safer than chemotherapeutic agents, and it is also low-cost. In the future, piroxicam may become a key drug in animal cancer treatment.
Improving Prognosis
The prognosis after surgery largely depends on whether the cancer recurs or metastasizes. Recurrence means that tiny, invisible cancers that couldn’t be completely removed during surgery start growing again.
To reduce even a small possibility of recurrence, chemotherapy may be administered post-surgery. However, it is not feasible to take strong chemotherapy drugs for long periods due to concerns about side effects and decreased immunity.
Continuing piroxicam might be a good approach. Long-term administration is possible if gastrointestinal issues do not occur.
Efforts to Improve Immunity
Surgery and chemotherapy treatments inevitably lower immunity. Even if the surgery is successful, it is impossible to prevent recurrence 100%.
The keyword to reduce recurrence rates is “immunity.” The immune system is a self-defense mechanism inherent in the body that works to prevent and control the development and proliferation of cancer. Improving this immune function is considered essential in overcoming bladder cancer.
These efforts do not burden the body and should be started early.
Boosting Immune Power for Cats with Bladder Cancer or Transitional Cell Carcinoma
When your cat suffers from bladder cancer or transitional cell carcinoma, cases where aggressive treatments are impossible due to age or physical issues are not uncommon.
In such cases, Cordy can be incorporated as it doesn’t burden the body, often resulting in more peaceful days.
Our lab is researching whether administering Cordy during periods of immune suppression caused by surgery or chemotherapy can expedite immune recovery.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
監修獣医師：林美彩 所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所
代替療法と西洋医学、両方の動物病院での勤務経験と多数のコルディの臨床経験をもつ。 モノリス在籍時には、一般的な動物医療（西洋医学）だけでは対応が困難な症例に対して多くの相談を受け、免疫の大切さを痛烈に実感する。
ペットたちの健康維持・改善のためには薬に頼った対処療法だけではなく、「普段の生活環境や食事を見直し、自宅でさまざまなケアを取り入れることで免疫力を維持し、病気にならない体づくりを目指していくことが大切である」という考えを提唱し普及活動に従事している。
所属：
- Diet Therapy for Cancer in Dogs and Cats – Basics of High Protein, Low Carbohydrate
- New Dietary Ideas to Combat Cancer (for Dogs and Cats)
- Proactive Vitamin Intake for Cancer Prevention in Dogs and Cats
- Low-Protein Diet and Kidney Disease in Cats
- BCAA Supplementation for Dogs and Cats with Fatigue or Liver and Kidney Issues
