Canine Prostate Disease

The purpose of the canine prostate is to supply some of the fluids that are present in typical canine semen. The prostate lies in the pelvis behind the bladder and below the rectum. The urethra passes through the prostate; therefore, when the prostate becomes enlarged, urination becomes painful and difficult. An enlarged prostate is the most common sign of canine prostate disease.

  1. Four Types

    • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), bacterial prostatitis, paraprostatic cysts and prostatic neoplasia are the four most common prostate diseases that affect dogs.

    Symptoms

    • Constipation, weight loss, lethargy, blood-tinged urine, straining to urinate and fever are symptoms of prostate disease in dogs.

    Diagnosis

    • Determining that the prostate is enlarged via ultrasound or x-ray is the first step in diagnosing canine prostate disease. Urinalysis, prostate biopsy and evaluation of prostatic fluid samples are procedures that may also be performed.

    Treatment

    • Castration, antibiotic therapy, and fluid therapy are methods used to treat canine prostate disease.

    Prognosis

    • When castration is performed, the prognosis for canine prostate disease becomes significantly better.