What are the common symptoms of transitional cell carcinoma?

Common symptoms include blood in the urine, frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or pain during urination. Advanced cases may show weight loss and reduced activity. If you notice these signs, consult your vet and arrange an examination.

What tests will the vet perform to make a diagnosis?

Tests typically include urinalysis and urine culture, blood biochemistry, ultrasound or CT imaging, and tissue biopsy where necessary. Your vet will recommend next steps based on the results.

What treatment options are available for transitional cell carcinoma?

Treatment depends on the location of the tumour and whether it has spread, and may include local or systemic therapy as well as management of any concurrent infection. The specific treatment plan will be determined by a specialist vet after assessment.

What should I watch for during follow-up and home care?

Follow your vet's schedule for regular urinalysis and imaging. Monitor water intake, urination habits, appetite, and alertness. If blood in the urine worsens or your pet's condition deteriorates, contact your vet promptly to arrange an appointment.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Dogs & Cats: Blood in Urine, Diagnosis & Treatment [2025]

A malignant tumour of the bladder lining, commonly presenting with blood in the urine and difficulty urinating; treatment primarily involves chemotherapy

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, AVMA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Requires immediate veterinary care (emergency)

•Persistent large amount of visible blood in urine accompanied by weakness
•Obvious pain during urination and inability to urinate on its own
•Repeated vomiting with extreme weakness and unwillingness to move

Recommend scheduling a clinic visit soon (within 24-72 hours)

•Intermittent blood in urine or darkened urine color but still alert
•Changed urination posture or markedly increased frequency of urination
•Markedly reduced activity or appetite requiring evaluation

01What Symptoms Indicate Something Is Wrong?

Transitional cell carcinoma most commonly affects the lower urinary tract, with blood in the urine and abnormal urination as the main presenting signs. Early symptoms may be subtle but will progressively affect appetite and energy levels.

Blood in urine: urine tinged with blood or visibly red-coloured urine
Changes in urination: increased frequency, straining to urinate, or more frequent trips to the litter box or outside
Painful urination: obvious discomfort or vocalisation during urination
Urinary incontinence or sudden loss of bladder control
Systemic changes: weight loss, reduced appetite, or decreased activity level

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Seek veterinary evaluation promptly if there is heavy or persistent blood in the urine

02How to Assess Abnormal Signs at Home? Key Observations and When to Go to the Emergency Clinic

Observing and recording symptoms at home before your vet visit helps the vet quickly assess the condition and arrange appropriate tests.

Record when blood in the urine or abnormal urination first appeared and how often it occurs
Take a video of urination or photos of bloody urine to show at the appointment
Note daily water intake, appetite, and any weight changes
Observe whether mental alertness and activity levels have changed noticeably
Watch for fever, repeated vomiting, or other systemic symptoms
Bring the above observations along with a list of any current medications to the appointment

03How Will the Vet Make a Diagnosis? Common Diagnostic Tests

Clinical diagnosis combines blood, urine, and imaging tests; tissue biopsy may be needed to confirm cancer cells and assess whether the disease has spread.

Complete blood count and biochemistry

assessing for anaemia, infection, and organ function

Urinalysis (including urine sediment examination)

checking for blood, inflammatory cells, or crystals

Urine or wound culture

ruling out or confirming a source of bacterial infection

Abdominal ultrasound or CT of the abdomen/bladder

evaluating tumour location and local invasion

Tissue biopsy or cytology

confirming the presence of cancer cells

04How Is the Condition Treated and Managed After Diagnosis? Medications, Diet, and Home Care Guide

Treatment requires individualised assessment and may include infection management, local or systemic therapy, with regular imaging and urinalysis to track disease progress and treatment response.

Antibiotics will be prescribed when a concurrent bacterial infection is present
Some patients may require surgical, local, or systemic chemotherapy — determined by a specialist after evaluation
Attend regular follow-up appointments for imaging and urinalysis as directed by your vet to monitor disease progression
Monitor for side effects during treatment and adjust the care plan accordingly
Ensuring adequate water intake and an appropriate diet helps support urinary tract health
Continue recording symptom changes at home and share them at each vet visit
A specialist referral centre is recommended for biopsy and advanced imaging to guide treatment decisions

05What to Prepare Before Seeing the Vet? Key Information to Help Identify the Cause Quickly

Record when symptoms first started and how they have changed over time

Bring a video of urination, photos of bloody urine, or a fresh urine sample (if available)

Note daily food intake, water consumption, and toileting habits

List all current medications and supplements, including names and dosages

Bring any previous test results or imaging records (X-rays, ultrasound scans, etc.)

Call the clinic in advance to ask whether biopsy and advanced imaging can be arranged

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.