Prostate Problems in Your Dogs

Prostate problems are common in intact (undesexed) male dogs and uncommon in desexed dogs. If your male dog has not been neutered, understanding the prostate conditions he may develop is important - particularly because many dogs show minimal symptoms until the condition is well advanced.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

The most common prostate condition in intact male dogs is benign prostatic hyperplasia - gradual enlargement of the prostate under the influence of testosterone. It is so common that the majority of intact male dogs over five years of age have some degree of prostatic enlargement.

BPH itself is often asymptomatic, but an enlarged prostate can cause difficulty defaecating (the prostate sits adjacent to the rectum and can compress it), bloody discharge from the penis unrelated to urination, and occasionally difficulty urinating. It is not cancer.

The most effective treatment is desexing. In most dogs, the prostate reduces significantly in size within weeks of castration.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is infection of the prostate, which can occur in both intact and desexed males, though it is far more common in intact dogs. Acute prostatitis causes fever, lethargy, pain, and straining. Chronic prostatitis may cause more subtle signs including recurrent urinary tract infections.

Treatment involves a prolonged course of antibiotics chosen for their ability to penetrate prostatic tissue, along with desexing in intact dogs.

Prostatic cysts and abscesses

Cysts can develop within or adjacent to the prostate, sometimes reaching significant size. Abscesses - infected cysts - can be serious and require surgical drainage. Both are more common in intact males.

Prostatic cancer

Prostatic carcinoma in dogs is uncommon but serious. Unlike in humans, it occurs in both intact and desexed dogs, though the reason for this is not fully understood. Signs overlap with BPH - difficulty defaecating, straining, and bloody discharge - but prostatic cancer tends to progress more aggressively and may spread to regional lymph nodes and bone.

Diagnosis requires imaging and biopsy. Prognosis is unfortunately poor in most cases.

When to call us

If your intact male dog is straining to defaecate, has bloody penile discharge, or seems uncomfortable, book a consultation. If your intact male dog is over five years old and has not had a prostate check, it is worth discussing at his next health check.

Desexing is the single most effective way to prevent BPH and prostatitis. If you have an intact male dog and are considering desexing, call us to discuss the options including laparoscopic castration.

Call us on (03) 9592 9811 or book online at middlebrightonvet.com.au/book-online.

Related services at Middle Brighton Vet: Desexing | Consultations and Health Checks