Diagnosis and surgical management of transitional cell carcinoma in a dog

Abstract

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is a malignant neoplasm commonly affecting the urinary tract of dogs, presenting significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This case report details the diagnosis and surgical management of TCC in a canine patient presenting with hematuria, dysuria, and urinary incontinence. Diagnostic workup, including imaging studies and cytological evaluation of urine sediment, confirmed the presence of a bladder mass. Surgical intervention involved a cystotomy with complete excision of the tumor followed by adjunctive therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chemotherapy. Post-operative monitoring revealed initial clinical improvement, although long-term prognosis remains guarded due to the aggressive nature of TCC. This case underscores the complexities in diagnosing and treating TCC in dogs and emphasizes the importance of multimodal therapy and diligent follow-up in optimizing patient outcomes.