On 5/27/2009 Kimberly9489 wrote:
I know that this may be premature but I have a bad feeling. My Chelsea is a 1 year old dachshund. In February she was diagnosed with Pyometra (uterine infection) after her first estrus. She had to receive an emergency hysterectomy. That was in February. This condition is uncommon for a puppy. Now, as of last Sunday she has blood in her urine. I took her to the Pet ER and they diagnosed her with a UTI. They put her on Clavamox and 8 days later, she is still bleeding and today she passed a small blood clot. I took her to the vet and they performed an ultrasound on her and found a blood clot in her bladder. My concern is that she doesn't have the symptoms of painful urination or frequency. I was directed to this site when I typed "blood clot in bladder". I am so scared. She has been through so much already. I love her and can't bare to think that she may have cancer. Is it common for a puppy to have TCC? I had to leave her at my vet so they could get a urine sample. They have not mentioned bladder cancer but I have 4 children and a sixth sense like no other. They will be sending her urine out for culture. What tests, if any, should I request for early screening and piece of mind?
Kimberly In Maryland
Hi! I am so sorry to hear about your puppy's health problems. My Westie, Willie, does have TCC but is doing quite well almost a year after his diagnosis. There is a urine test that can be done to test for the presence of transitional cells in the urine. It is supposed to be quite accurate. I can't remember what the official name for it is right this minute but will look it up and send it to you via private message. It is also mentioned in several of the topics on this board. I must say, however, that Willie's test came back negative for TCC. We went ahead and did an ultrasound of his bladder anyway. His vet found a small tumor which was removed and sent off for a biopsy. The tumor did turn out to be malignant. Willie has been taking piroxicam with stomach protectors since then. So far, so good. I wish the very best for Chelsea and for you. Whatever you can do to provide information about Chelsea's condition seems like a great idea to me! It may indeed not be TCC but if it is the earlier you start on a treatment plan, the better chance you have of helping her. Sue