Oncology
6th Annual Gulf-Atlantic Veterinary Conference
Heidi Ward, DVM, DACVIM
Veterinary Oncologist
Gulfcoast Veterinary Oncology and Internal Medicine
Canine bladder cancer accounts for two percent of all reported malignancies in the dog. In light of the fact that there are 70 million pet dogs in the Unites States, bladder cancer will therefore affect 20,000 dogs each year. Breed predispositions and environmental factors play a role in the development of bladder cancer, and each of these will be discussed in terms of modes of prevention. Early detection is important, and there is a new test available to pet owners which can diagnoses bladder cancer four months prior to gross observation on ultrasound. This new test, which detects mutations in the Braf gene, will be discussed. Current treatment modalities and long-term management will be detailed.