folks, I’m really worried and could use some advice. I took my seven-year-old Golden Retriever, Max, for a check-up after noticing he was urinating more frequently and seemed uncomfortable while doing so. The vet just called with his urinalysis results and mentioned they found transitional cells. I’ve been frantically googling, and it’s freaking me out a bit. From what I understand, this could be a sign of something serious like cancer, but I'm hoping there are other explanations. Has anyone else been through something similar? I love Max so much, and the thought of him potentially going through something difficult just breaks my heart. What should be my next steps? Any insights or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help—I'm trying to stay calm, but it's hard.
Hi there,
I'm glad you reached out with your concern about the transitional cells found in your dog's urinalysis. Let's break this down together. Transitional cells typically line the bladder and urinary tract, and it's not uncommon to see small numbers of them in a urine sample. This often isn't a reason to worry, as they can show up due to normal shedding that occurs in healthy dogs.
However, if there is a significant number of these cells, it could point to inflammation, infection, or other issues in the urinary tract. In some cases, it might indicate more serious conditions like bladder stones or tumors, but it's essential not to jump to conclusions.
For at-home care, make sure your dog stays well-hydrated to help flush out the urinary tract. Monitor your pup for changes in regular pee habits, as well as symptoms like straining to urinate, blood in the urine, or an unusual increase in urination frequency. These could indicate a need for immediate veterinary attention.
Keep an eye out for any unusual behavior like lethargy or decreased appetite — these could signal a more significant problem.
I'd love to discuss this further in a video consult on Dial A Vet. We can explore your dog's specific symptoms and decide on the next steps together. Looking forward to chatting with you both!
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's
not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely.
For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our
content guidelines.