Prostate cancer is uncommon in dogs, representing only 0.2 to 0.6 percent of all canine cancers, according to the Dog Illnesses and Symptoms website. Although Labrador retrievers are more susceptible to squamous cell skin cancer than other breeds, according to PetMD, the Lab is no more likely than any other dog breed to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Nonetheless, prostate cancer in dogs is very aggressive, typically spreading quickly to bone, lung, kidney and lymph nodes. It usually strikes dogs 10 years of age or older and can be difficult to diagnose.
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Function of the Prostate Gland
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The prostate gland is located below the rectum and surrounds the neck of the bladder. The function of the gland is to produce fluid for sperm. The size of the prostate depends on the amount of testosterone it is exposed to as the dog matures, but the presence of testosterone does not appear to affect the incidence of prostate cancer. Both neutered and intact dogs can be afflicted with prostate cancer.
Nonspecific Signs and Symptoms
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A dog may experience loss of appetite and not want to eat for a few days. He may lose weight quickly and feel weak or listless and not want to play or exercise. Because these are generalized symptoms that can apply to other conditions and to other cancers, a veterinarian needs to examine the dog and run tests to determine the reason for the symptoms.
Specific Signs and Symptoms
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A dog may urinate frequently or have difficulty or pain when urinating and be constipated or have painful bowel movements because the cancerous prostate gland enlarges and pushes against the bladder or rectum, making elimination difficult. Pain while walking can cause the dog to take small steps and walk with stiff rear legs. A dog with prostate cancer can pass blood or pus in his urine. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue and listlessness.
Diagnosis
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Diagnosis begins with a urinalysis and usually involves an X-ray and ultrasound of the abdomen to check the health of the prostate and determine if the cancer has spread or metastasized. The only way to confirm the presence of prostate cancer is to perform a biopsy of the rectal wall.
Treatment
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Surgical removal of the prostate gland is usually not a treatment option because the surgery can cause serious complications such as urinary incontinence or inability to hold urine. Canine prostate cancer is typically treated with chemotherapy and sometimes radiation. Neither treatment can cure prostate cancer and usually does not significantly extend the life of the dog.
Prognosis
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Because the cancer is not usually detected and diagnosed until at a later stage, the median life expectancy of dogs with prostate cancer is approximately 30 days after diagnosis.
Considerations
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While Labrador retrievers are no more likely to get prostate cancer than other breeds, they are predisposed to other types of cancer such as lymphosarcoma, according to the Dog Illnesses and Symptoms website. Lymphosarcoma develops from the lymphocytes in the lymphatic system. Several websites, including labradorretriever.name, contend that neutering a male Lab will significantly reduce the risk of contracting prostate cancer.
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