Signs & Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate in Dogs

Prostate enlargement frequently affects non-neutered male dogs generally over age 8. An intact male dog beyond that age has an 80 percent chance of developing a prostate problem, according to Dr. Race Foster, D.V.M. While painful, prostate disease among dogs is rarely malignant or life threatening. If you see any of the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate, check with your veterinarian.

  1. Painful Defecation

    • The prostate gland is an accessory sex gland, and it is a common misconception that painful urination is a common symptom. While painful urination does occur, it is often difficult to notice and not very pronounced. The prostate gland is located in the pelvis, below the rectum. An enlarged canine prostate puts pressure on the pelvic cavity, squeezing the rectum and decreasing the amount of room it has. Solid waste must pass through the rectum to expel from the body. Because an enlarged prostate takes away from this space, it is difficult and painful for a dog to expel solid waste. The dog might strain, howl and cry while defecating, be reluctant to defecate, have constipation or a bright red, bloody stool or extended defecation time. Because of rectum's smaller passageway, the stool may resemble a thin ribbon.

    Irregular Gait

    • When the prostate is enlarged, the dog is in pain, and it tries to minimize that pain.To avoid putting pressure on the prostate gland, dogs that suffer from this condition will often walk abnormally--with stiff hind legs and short steps. Their legs will remain straight at the hock and knee to avoid irritating the prostate.

    Discharge

    • All male dogs, neutered or intact, produce a certain amount of penile discharge. This discharge ranges from clear to creamy to green, and often has little to no distinguishable odor. When the prostate is enlarged, blood and pus may show up in the dog's penile excretions. The amount of discharge also may increase. Other causes of this symptom include urinary tract infections or injuries to the penis. Abnormal discharge should not be taken as the only sign of an enlarged prostate, but can be a useful diagnostic tool when combined with other, more obvious signs and symptoms.

    Behavior

    • A change in behavior may signal that your dog is not feeling well. These symptoms alone can indicate any number of problems, and should be used with other signs, symptoms and diagnostic testing to confirm an enlarged prostate. Possible behavioral changes include lethargy, lack of appetite, weight loss, fever, a swollen or painful abdomen, fertility problems, chronic urinary tract infections and suddenly aggressive behavior (for example, "lashing out" at inappropriate times with little or no provocation).