Canine Prostate Problems

Like humans, male dogs have prostates that excrete seminal fluid. The prostate is located just behind the dog's rectum and surrounds his urethra. In neutered dogs, most of the prostate gland is removed, so it is unusual for them to develop prostate problems. Unaltered male dogs can easily develop prostate diseases as they grow older, including prostatic hyperplasia, infections of the prostate gland or prostate cancer.

  1. Symptoms

    • Your dog may have a prostate problem if he begins to walk abnormally, experiences constipation, strains during urination or passes blood or pus through his urethra when he urinates. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your dog to the veterinarian right away to find out if your dog is experiencing a prostate-related illness.

    Examination

    • In order to check for prostate problems, your veterinarian will insert a finger into the rectum of your dog, while feeling for any abnormalities in the size or shape of the prostate gland. Depending on the outcome of the manual examination, your veterinarian may order a series of X-rays or ultrasounds so that he may better see any unusual signs of growth inside of your dog's prostate. Your vet may wish to perform a biopsy on your dog's prostate to gather a tissue sample for testing. This is the only absolute way to rule out cancer of the prostate in your dog.

    Treatment

    • The best and most effective treatment for canine prostate problems is prevention. By neutering your pet, you will virtually eliminate his chances of getting prostate-related diseases, such as cancer. Once your dog is diagnosed with prostate cancer, the disease may have already spread throughout the body or into your pet's lymph system, making recovery difficult. If your dog is diagnosed with prostate cancer, your veterinarian will speak with you about the various treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation treatments, excision and alternative healing methods, and their potential outcomes. If your dog has a prostate-related infection, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics. Fungal and other types of infections may be stubborn to treat. If your pet is experiencing difficulty walking due to an enlarged prostate, your veterinarian may suggest steroid therapy to reduce the swelling. Prostatic cysts and abscesses should be surgically excised to relieve the pressure and swelling.

    Alternative Remedies

    • There are several natural treatments for dogs with prostate problems. They include the herb saw palmetto, which is safe and effective against prostate disorders but will not cure prostate cancer. The oral dosage for using saw palmetto to treat prostate swelling in your pet is 5 to 10 mg a day for dogs under 15 pounds, or 20 mg a day for dogs that are 15 to 50 pounds. Dogs over 50 pounds can take up to 30 mg a day. Another herb that is helpful in treating the inflammation and infection associated with prostate disorders is nettle root. It can be made taken as drops along with the saw palmetto. Echinacea can aid a dog's immune system in fighting off prostate infections. It can be taken orally as a daily supplement or poured over a dog's food.

    What to Expect

    • If your dog is diagnosed with prostate cancer, the chances of his survival for more than a year are very slim. The average rate of survival for dogs diagnosed with prostate cancer is six to eight weeks after diagnosis. Speak with your veterinarian about the most humane treatment options for your pet. Even with radiation and chemotherapy treatment, an average dog's survival will probably not be longer than one year.