Known as man's best friend, dogs are among the most common household pets, with approximately 7.7 million of these canines throughout Canadian households. Aside from love, devotion and companionship, these canines can also provide people many health benefits. They can help protect your heart, make you feel less alone, encourage you to be active, and even make you more attractive and happier!
As they give benefits to your health, you must give back and take care of their wellbeing too. Some dogs are at more risk in getting sick, and bladder cancer is one of them.
Bladder cancer comprises 1 to 2% of all types of dog cancers. A potential treatment for bladder cancer in dogs is CBD oil, but how does it work? What factors must you consider before giving CBD oil for your pet? Read more to find out.
What is Bladder Cancer in Dogs?
Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal tissue growth (known as a tumour) develops on the bladder lining. In dogs, this tumour invades the bladder wall's deeper layers, including the bladder muscles and can spread to the bones, lungs, lymph nodes, or other organs of their body. Cancer in the urinary tract of dogs can affect the urethra, ureters, kidneys, urinary bladder and prostate. Out of all these, the bladder is commonly affected by this illness. According to Long Island Veterinary Specialists, the most common type of bladder cancer is Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC). This type of cancer can spread into other organs near the bladder, including the prostate, ureters, or kidneys.
What are the Possible Causes of Bladder Cancer in Dogs?
The precise cause of TCC on an individual dog is usually not known but may be influenced by factors such as genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Genetic predisposition is considered a factor because bladder cancer is common in specific dog breeds. They include Shetland sheepdogs, Scottish terriers, wirehair fox terriers, west highland terriers, and beagles.
Environmental factors can also contribute to the risk of acquiring bladder cancer in dogs. Bluepearlvet.com suggests that immediate exposure to certain chemicals such as pesticides and petrochemicals may increase a dog's risk of developing bladder cancer. Also, middle-aged or elderly female dogs are known to be commonly affected.
What are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer in Dogs?
The symptoms of bladder cancer in dogs are similar to those seen in urinary tract infections. These include:
- Urine accidents in the house
- Small, frequent urination
- Bloody urine
- Having difficulty to urinate
- Having the urge to urinate but unable to produce much.
If the tumour is large, the veterinarian may feel it on the dog’s pulse on the abdomen. A possible spread of the tumour on its bones may cause bone pain to the dogs. Additional information by Blue Pearlvet states that your dog's complete inability to urinate is considered a medical emergency and should get medical care from a veterinarian.
How is Bladder Cancer Diagnosed in Dogs?
It is crucial to be sure about your dog's diagnosis of bladder cancer. Being precise about the condition of your pet is vital, as it affects their health. There are ways in determining whether your pet dog has this illness or not; they are the following:
#1 CADET Braf Mutation Assay
The most common type of diagnosis is a CADET Braf Mutation Assay. This diagnosis evaluates the dogs' urine sample to detect cells that may harbour the BRAF mutation, which can be identified at around 80% of dogs with Transitional Cell Carcinoma in the bladder prostate. This test can detect early cases of urothelial carcinoma in dogs months before noticeable signs appear.
#2 Cystoscopy
Another method in diagnosing bladder cancer is cystoscopy. This refers to a procedure where a flexible scope is carefully inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. The process is done while your dog is under anesthesia. Cystoscopy can examine the tissues from the bladder and urethra to determine whether your pet has bladder cancer or not.
#3 Chest Imaging
Bladder cancer can also spread to the lungs. Your veterinarian can take chest imaging such as x-rays to check for metastases or a malignant growth that a tumour may cause.
#4 Blood Work
This procedure is often common with pets that have bladder cancer. Blood work is a crucial examination as it evaluates the overall health of your dog. This can influence how your pet should undergo treatment.
Is CBD Oil Effective in Treating Bladder Cancer in Dogs?
CBD oil is seen to be a promising treatment for bladder cancer in dogs. CBD oil, based on several studies, does not create a "high" effect or any form of intoxication.
Since the legalization of the cannabis plant, there is a growing awareness about CBD oil's possible health benefits. According to Healthline.com, potential medical uses of CBD oil are:
- Anxiety relief
- Anti-seizure
- Neuroprotective
- Pain relief
- Anti-acne
- Cancer Treatment
With this in mind, potential use for CBD oil prevents cancer cell growth, although research is still in its early stages.
CBD oil is known to target human’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help in improving health. Similarly, dogs have ECS with special receptors, transmitters, and enzymes throughout the body. Research has found that ECS is closely related to cancer as cannabinoids show an anticancer potential by improving several pathways that are involved in cell growth.
The University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College is making a three-year study of cannabis for its potential treatment for bladder cancer in dogs. The main focus of the research is the anticancer properties of cannabidiol or CBD. And although research is still in progress, studies have suggested that CBD may lead to a process called cancer apoptosis, or the death of cancer cells. Since research in CBD is in its early stages, using it as a treatment method for cancer has not yet been proven.
Conclusion
Aside from CBD oil having beneficial effects in bladder cancer on dogs, according to Dr. Jerry Klein, the Chief Veterinary Officer in the American Kernel Club (AKC), CBD also has properties that can protect the health of your pet. They include anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, appetite stimulation, anti-nausea effects, and anti-anxiety impact.
Bladder cancer on dogs should not be taken lightly. Proper knowledge about its causes, symptoms, and effects is essential. As symptoms start to show, the next step you should do is give your dog the proper dosage of CBD oil, with the basic dosage of 1-5 mg for every ten pounds of body weight to relieve some pain, inflammation, and other symptoms. You can also consult a veterinarian to know the exact amount of CBD oil for your dog and to ensure your pet’s health to improve.
