What should you do if your dog has an enlarged prostate?
The prostate gland is between the bladder and rectum, and when it becomes enlarged, it can cause problems with urination or defecation. If you see the signs of an enlarged prostate in your dog, you should consult your veterinarian so they can form a proper diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Can a dog be diagnosed with prostate cancer?
Dogs who suffer from prostate cancer may exhibit mild or severe symptoms, but will usually show one or more of the following signs: The causes of prostate cancer in dogs are not well understood. When the cause of the condition is unknown, it is referred to as idiopathic, and this is usually the case.
How is a physical examination done on a dog?
A physical examination involves observing the general appearance of the dog, listening to the chest with a stethoscope (“auscultation”), and “palpation”, or feeling specific areas of the body. Your veterinarian will observe or inspect: How your dog walks and stands. Whether your dog is bright and alert.
Can a dog be examined with an ultrasound?
Ultrasound waves will not pass through air and therefore it cannot be used to examine normal lungs. Bone also stops ultrasound waves, so the brain and spinal cord are unable to be seen with an ultrasound study, and obviously, bones cannot be examined.
When to take your dog to the vet for a prostate exam?
Diagnostic X-Ray shows a soft tissue mass in the region of the prostate If your dog has symptoms of prostate problems, you should take him to the vet for an evaluation. Most vets will perform a prostate exam as part of a yearly physical for all un-neutered males.
What kind of prostate cancer does a male dog have?
1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – This is a non-cancerous enlargement of the gland. It is associated with the male sex hormone testosterone and is the most common disease of the prostate. 2. Squamous metaplasia – This is a non-cancerous enlargement of the gland caused by excess amounts of the hormone estrogen in male dogs.
Where is the prostate gland located in a dog?
Just as men have a prostate gland, so do male dogs. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra and lies just behind the rectum. Just like in humans, it stores and secretes a clear fluid that makes up part of the seminal fluid that makes up semen. When a dog is neutered, most of the prostate gland is removed.
What kind of tests do they do for prostatic disease in dogs?
These tests may include: culture of the dog’s urine to determine if there is a bacterial infection, a microscopic examination of the cells in the urine, and a microscopic examination of the cells in prostatic fluid or in the prostate.
