Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1910 and 1914, the English springer spaniel and the Welsh springer spaniel are two medium-sized breeds used for companionship, hunting or other sport related activities. While neither the Welsh or the English springer spaniel are prone to developing bladder cancer; as with any breed of dog, it is always a possibility.
-
Causes
-
The cause of any type of canine cancer is generally unknown. However, Dr. Jeffrey Philibert of PetPlace.com notes that it may occur following exposure to carcinogens, including exposure to flea dip medications or outdoor pesticides used for lawns, gardening or mosquitoes. Furthermore, medications that the springer spaniel may have been on for extended periods of time can add to the risk of developing bladder cancer.
Symptoms
-
In springer spaniels, the symptoms of bladder cancer may be similar to that of a urinary tract infection, according to PetPlace. Some of the most common symptoms include changes in urination such as more frequent urges to urinate accompanied by smaller amounts of urine being passed. Some dogs may also strain when urinating or display signs of pain such as whining or whimpering when attempting to urinate. Hematuria, which is a term used to describe blood present in the urine, may also occur. Finally, some springer spaniels may suffer from difficulty with defecation and experience exercise intolerance, difficulty with breathing or unusual coughing.
Diagnosis
-
The overseeing veterinarian may begin by running a urinalysis to test for possible bacteria and to evaluate and check for blood cell levels or tumor cells. A urinalysis will also be beneficial in evaluating the functioning levels of the kidneys and other organs. An owner should expect their springer spaniel to receive ultrasounds or X-rays to detect masses in the lower abdominal region, which may be causing the symptoms. Any tumors present may require a tissue biopsy to determine what types of cancerous cells are present, if any. Lastly, the affected spaniel should also have blood tests including a complete blood count and chemistry panel, which can aid in detecting cancer and metastasis--meaning the cancer has spread.
Treatment
-
For bladder cancer, a springer spaniel has a few options depending on the type of cancer cell found. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are both options for dogs suffering from bladder cancer, according to PetPlace. In some cases, surgical removal of the tumor may be necessary. Ideally, cancer treatments can be combined for the most effective treatment. Surgical removal can be paired with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs.
Prognosis
-
Springer spaniels affected by any type of cancer often have guarded prognosis. Even with treatment, an owner can expect their dog will not live more than a few months, although some dogs may live well beyond the typical 6-month life expectancy. The length of survival often increases when cancer treatments are combined with each other, such as chemotherapy accompanied by NSAIDs or surgical removal. Unfortunately, even with treatment; owners should realize that their spaniel will most likely succumb to bladder cancer.
-