
In this article of Animals and Pets Online 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 of this disease, as we will see, is that it does not usually manifest itself until it is already very advanced and extended, which makes its prognosis unfavorable.For all this we recommend to go to the reviews that our veterinarian paints us with the aim of being able 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.urethra below the bladder, presenting a bilobed appearance.You can palpate your upper area on a rectal exam.
Its function is to produce a fluid that helps motility and sperm support.There are several pathologies that can affect the prostate and, due to its location, can cause diffusions in the elimination of urine and feces, as we will see.
Prostate problems in the dog
The alterations that can affect the prostate, especially in older dogs, are the following:
- Prostatitis : these are a bacterial infection that usually occurs after 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 growth of the prostate frequent in older dogs and related to hormonal activity, specifically with testosterone, with which castration is usually the treatment of choice.After surgery, the prostate decreases its size and, if there is Symptoms, these remit.
- Neoplasms : This is usually canine prostatic carcinoma, which we will talk about next.The prostate is enlarged asymmetrically.This cancer is rare in dogs and does not seem to depend on testosterone.
To reach the diagnosis the veterinarian perform a touch of the prostate through the rectum and can also prescribe diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, urine analysis, biopsy or cytology.
Symptoms of prostate cancer in dogs
We have already explained where the prostate is located in dogs.When any cause causes it to increase in size a pressure is exerted on both the urethra and the rectum that it will have consequences on urination and normal defecation.Stools may appear flattened and fecal impactions may occur.
It is also common for the dog to drip blood to through his penis, without being related to urination.In some cases the dog will have trouble walking .Before any of these symptoms we must go to our veterinarian.
The problem of Prostate cancer in dogs is that can be asymptomatic , that is, we will not notice any alteration until the cancer has spread so much that it causes 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 when related to hormone production, it does not appear that these are the cause of prostate cancer, in fact, still It is not clear what causes this type of cancer.If it seems 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 castrated and whole dogs.It is not recommended to treat with surgery.You can try to administer radio or chemotherapy .
As we have said, the The main difficulty in treating this cancer is that it usually manifests itself when it is already in a very advanced stage , with metastases in lymph nodes, lungs, liver, spleen or bones.As symptoms are going to be common At different diseases we may not even reach the diagnosis.Dogs with metastasis have a very poor prognosis.
How to prevent prostate cancer in dogs?
In this case it is advisable to go to veterinary reviews , at least one a year, approximately since our dog turns 7 years of age.In them, in addition to including a general review and an analytical, you must touch the prostate to verify that there is no increase in size, even if the dog has no symptoms.We can also take advantage of any visit to the clinic to perform this palpation.

This article is purely informative, at Animals and Pets Online we have no power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis.We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in the event that it presents any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Prostate cancer in Dogs-Symptoms, causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter nu stra section of diseases of the reproductive system.
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