Prostate Gland Disease In Dogs And Cats

The prostate is a gland which surrounds the urethra (urinary canal traveling from the bladder through the penis to the outside of the body) near the bladder in male dogs and cats.  The gland produces a fluid needed for reproduction.

Types Of Prostate Gland Diseases:

Diseases of the prostate gland include:

• Infection (prostatitis) which can arise as a result of bladder or blood infections.
• Enlargement (benign hyperplasia) due to hormonal imbalances.
• Cancer.
• Cysts (fluid-filled sacs formed within the gland itself).

Symptoms Of Prostate Gland Disease:

Signs of prostate disease may include:

• Pain in the rear quarters.
• A “hunched-up” appearance to the back.
• Straining to defecate-- may appear constipated.
• Straining to urinate, bloody urine, and increased frequency of urination.
• Discharges from the penis (blood or pus).

Diagnosis Of Prostate Gland Disease:

Diagnosis of prostate gland disease will require a thorough physical examination by your dog's veterinarian.

Blood tests may be necessary to look for evidence of infection and/or inflammation, as well as other disease processes which can cause similar symptoms.

Urine tests (urinalysis, culture for bacteria and sensitivity testing, other urine tests) may be necessary to diagnose prostate gland disease.

Imaging studies such as radiographs (x-rays), either survey (plain) radiographs or contrast studies (radiographic studies involving injecting air or other agents into the urinary bladder), or ultrasound examination may be necessary to visualize the prostate gland.

Biopsy of the gland may be required for definitive diagnosis of the specific type of prostate disease.

Treatment Of Prostate Gland Disease:

The treatment of prostate disease depends upon the individual cause.

Methods of treatment include:

• Antibiotics (if infection is present).
• Hormone therapy (to reduce the size of the prostate gland).
• Castration.
• Surgical removal of prostrate gland.

**Remember . . . neutering your dog will help prevent prostate disease!**