Dog Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer in dogs is a condition that is a very serious condition, as it is often fatal. Prostate cancer is one of the most common prostate problems in dogs. It is caused by the presence of a growth or a tumor in the prostate gland. The prostate gland, which is small and spherical in shape, is located inside the urethra. A tumor on the gland leads to an inflammation of the prostate, thereby causing many other problems. As the prostate also becomes enlarged, it pushes against the urethra wall. Therefore the dog will experience severe pain every time he urinates.

Canine Prostate Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of dog prostate cancer include:

• The dog’s urine has a pink tint to it. Traces of blood may also be noticed in the urine.
• The dog urinates in short and irregular spurts, as he experiences pain every time he passes urine.
• The dog suffers from loss of appetite and fever. This will also cause the dog to lose weight.
• The dog’ back is arched, whenever he walks.

The hind legs of the dog become stiff and weak because of the cancer. This will cause him to walk with shorter strides.
One of the biggest concerns about this condition is that it can go undetected for quite a while, till it reaches an advanced stage. If any of the symptoms of cancer can be noticed in the dog, the owner should take him to the vet immediately. The dog will need to undergo a series of tests, which includes urine tests, ultrasound scans and contrast x-rays. The vet may also perform a biopsy, by passing a camera through the walls of the rectum. This method is the most definitive way of diagnosing prostate cancer.

Once the diagnosis confirms the presence of canine prostate cancer, the owner will have a couple of treatment options to choose from. Most dogs that suffer from cancer go through chemotherapy and radiation, which helps them to fight the cancer. Another option that is available is surgery. However, the prostate glands in dogs are more complex than the glands in humans and therefore surgery may involve a few risks. Unfortunately, the prognosis of prostate cancer in most dogs is quite bleak. Many dogs do not even survive for more than two months after being affected by this disease. Almost all dogs diagnosed with prostate cancer do not survive for more than a year.