In this article on our site we will talk about prostate cancer in dogs, one of the pathologies that can affect this gland. We will discover the most frequent symptoms that we can observe in our dog and its treatment
The main problem with this disease, as we will see, is that it does not usually manifest itself until it is already very advanced and widespread, which makes its prognosis unfavorable. For all these reasons, we recommend going to the reviews that our veterinary in order to make an early diagnosis.
What is the prostate and what is it for?
Before talking about prostate cancer in dogs and to understand its consequences, it is necessary to know the characteristics of this organ. The prostate is an accessory sexual gland of males. It surrounds the urethra below the bladder, presenting a bilobed appearance. Its upper area can be felt on a rectal exam.
Its function is to produce a fluid that helps sperm motility and support. There are several pathologies that can affect the prostate and, due to its location, can cause difficulties in the elimination of urine and feces, as we will see.
Prostate problems in dogs
Alterations that can affect the prostate, especially in older dogs, are the following:
- Prostatitis: This is a bacterial infection that usually follows cystitis. It causes pain, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and secretions with blood or pus. It is treated with antibiotics and castration is recommended.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Uniform enlargement of the prostate common in older dogs and related to hormonal activity, specifically testosterone, so castration is usually the treatment of choice. After surgery, the prostate decreases in size and, if there are symptoms, they subside.
- Neoplasias: it is usually canine prostate carcinoma, which we will talk about next. The prostate appears asymmetrically enlarged. This cancer is rare in dogs and does not appear to be testosterone dependent.
To arrive at the diagnosis, the veterinarian will perform a touch of the prostate through the rectum and may also prescribe diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, urinalysis, biopsy or cytology.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms in Dogs
We have already explained where the prostate is located in dogs. When some cause makes it increase in size pressure is exerted on both the urethra and the rectum that will have consequences on normal urination and defecation. Stools may appear flattened and may cause faecal impaction
It is also common for the dog to drip blood through his penis, unrelated to urination. In some cases the dog will have a hard time walking. Before any of these symptoms we should go to our veterinarian.
The problem with prostate cancer in dogs is that it can be asymptomatic, that is, we will not notice any alteration until the cancer is has spread so far as to cause other symptoms such as weight loss, anorexia, vomiting, or even paralysis.
Treatment of prostate cancer in dogs
Just as for benign prostatic hyperplasia castration is recommended as it is related to hormone production, it does not seem that these are the cause of prostate cancer, in fact, it is still not clear what causes this type of cancer. It does seem that pathologies such as those we have mentioned, that is, prostatitis or hyperplasia, may be prior to its appearance.
This fact implies that it can affect both neutered and intact dogs. Treating with surgery is not recommended. You can try giving Radiation or Chemotherapy.
As we have mentioned, the main difficulty in treating this cancer is that it usually manifests when it is already in a very advanced stage, with metastases in lymph nodes, lungs, liver, spleen or bones. As the symptoms are going to be common to different diseases, we may not even reach a diagnosis. Dogs with metastasis have a very poor prognosis.
How to prevent prostate cancer in dogs?
In this case, it is advisable to attend veterinary check-ups, at least once a year, approximately from the time our dog is 7 years old. In them, in addition to including a general check-up and a blood test, you should touch the prostate to check that there is no increase in size, even if the dog does not have any symptom. We can also take advantage of any visit to the clinic to perform this palpation.
