Tcc In Canines

My 12 year old cocker spaniel was diagnosed 4 months ago with bladder cancer. We were lucky that it was diagnosed in the very early stages. She has just finished her 6th chemo treatment and takes piroxicam daily. The vet stated that he is reluctant to say that she is in remission but that if he were to say it about any dog it would be Millie. Here is the dilemma- her frequency to urinate has not gotten better. It has stayed the same which is every 5 minutes and she squats 3-4 times each time. She would always let us know when she had to go out. Well, starting last week- she does not even warn you. She squats wherever she is standing. It seems that she no longer has control of her bladder. The tumor cannot be seen. Does anyone have any experience with this? The oncologist could not explain her frequency except maybe bladder scarring. However, she has now lost all control. Help!!!!

 Has she been checked for a UTI? They are supposed to be common with tcc in the bladder, and symptoms include frequency and straining.

On 11/17/2007 cbass wrote:

My 12 year old cocker spaniel was diagnosed 4 months ago with bladder cancer. We were lucky that it was diagnosed in the very early stages. She has just finished her 6th chemo treatment and takes piroxicam daily. The vet stated that he is reluctant to say that she is in remission but that if he were to say it about any dog it would be Millie. Here is the dilemma- her frequency to urinate has not gotten better. It has stayed the same which is every 5 minutes and she squats 3-4 times each time. She would always let us know when she had to go out. Well, starting last week- she does not even warn you. She squats wherever she is standing. It seems that she no longer has control of her bladder. The tumor cannot be seen. Does anyone have any experience with this? The oncologist could not explain her frequency except maybe bladder scarring. However, she has now lost all control. Help!!!!

 

She has not been checked recently. However, she just had her last chemo and we discussed this with the oncologist. At the time, she just had frequency issues. Since the last chemo she just squats wherever and whenever with no warning. She does take antibiotics twice a day with her piroxicam.

 

On 11/18/2007 cbass wrote:

She has not been checked recently. However, she just had her last chemo and we discussed this with the oncologist. At the time, she just had frequency issues. Since the last chemo she just squats wherever and whenever with no warning. She does take antibiotics twice a day with her piroxicam.

 

This doesn't answer your question, but have you considered a doggie door?
It has been a godsend for us.  I don't know if your dog can tell if she has to go or not, but if she has an inkling and can let herself out, it might solve your problem.   In the long thread (625 messages or so) completely devoted to canine TCC, there are some postings about diapers for dogs as well.

Good luck to you.

Marty