What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer in Dogs?

As a veterinarian with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of various canine diseases, I understand the concerns and challenges pet owners face in the presence of cancer of the prostate in their furry companions. Here, I will answer the question, “What are the symptoms of prostate cancer in dogs?” 

Identifying the symptoms of this disease can be difficult for owners, as dogs often hide the signs of the disease. This article addresses the problems pet owners face in detecting and understanding its symptoms, offering practical solutions and guidance for navigating this troubling issue.

What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer in Dogs?

The symptoms of cancer of the prostate in canines can vary, and some dogs may not exhibit any noticeable signs until the disease has progressed. However, several common symptoms may indicate its presence:

A pug lying down on the floor

  • Difficulty Urinating: Dogs with prostatic cancer may experience difficulty or straining while urinating. 
  • Blood in Urine or Semen: The presence of blood in the urine or semen can be a red flag for it. 
  • Changes in Defecation: Dogs may have difficulty passing stool or exhibit abnormal fecal consistency.
  • Pain or Discomfort: Dogs may display signs of pain or discomfort in the pelvic area. They may exhibit reluctance to move, sit, lie down, or show discomfort when touched.
  • Enlarged Abdomen: As the cancer progresses, the prostate gland may enlarge, causing distension of the abdomen. 
  • Weight Loss and Decreased Appetite: Dogs may experience unexplained weight loss and a decrease in appetite. 

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, you must schedule an appointment with a veterinarian for a thorough examination and appropriate diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause.

What Are the Risk Factors of a Cancerous Prostate?

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of a dog developing a cancerous prostate. While the exact cause of this disease remains unclear, here are some key risk factors associated with it:

  • Age: A cancerous prostate is predominantly seen in older dogs, typically around eight to 10 years of age and older. 
  • Breed Predisposition: Certain breeds have a higher susceptibility to developing this type of cancer.  
  • Hormonal Influences:  Intact dogs (not neutered) have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer than neutered dogs.
  • Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition may also play a role in its development. Further research is needed to understand this disease’s specific genes and genetic markers.

It is essential to note that while these risk factors may increase the likelihood of cancer of the prostate in canines, not all dogs with these factors will develop the disease. 

How Is a Cancerous Prostate Diagnosed?

Veterinarians employ various diagnostic procedures and tests to confirm its presence and evaluate its extent. The diagnostic procedure entails the following essential steps:

Two dogs sitting on sandy beach, leashes attached, enjoying the view of the ocean

  • Physical Examination: During a physical examination, a veterinarians will palpate the dog’s abdomen and perform a rectal examination to assess the size, shape, and consistency of the prostate gland. 
  • Imaging Techniques: Imaging studies, such as X-rays and ultrasound, are valuable tools for evaluating the size and structure of the prostate gland. 
  • Biopsy: Under sedation or anesthesia, a small sample of tissue is obtained from the prostate gland using a needle or during surgery.
  • Blood Tests: While there is no specific blood test to diagnose cancer of the prostate in canines, certain blood tests can provide additional information. These may include a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry panel, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level measurement. 

The diagnostic process for prostate cancer requires expertise and specialized equipment. Therefore, working closely with a veterinarian experienced in oncology or internal medicine is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis.

When Should I Euthanize My Dog With Cancer?

Determining the appropriate time to euthanize a dog with prostatic cancer is a deeply personal and difficult decision. Several factors should be taken into consideration when making this decision:

  • Quality of Life: Assess your dog’s quality of life and overall well-being. Look for signs of pain, discomfort, or a significant decline in their ability to carry out daily activities. If your dog is experiencing unmanageable pain, difficulty eating or drinking, or a loss of interest in their favorite activities, it may indicate their quality of life has significantly deteriorated.
  • Response to Treatment: Evaluate your dog’s response to treatment options. If the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage and your dog is not responding positively to treatment or experiencing severe side effects, it may be an indication that further treatment is unlikely to provide a significant improvement in their condition.
  • Veterinary Advice: Seek guidance from a veterinarian, who can provide insights into the prognosis, potential treatment options, and the expected progression of the disease.

Happy family and a woman, including a cute dog, posing together in front of a window

Remember, the decision to euthanize a dog with cancer of the prostate is a personal one. Paws into Grace does provide family support and the help you need to navigate this emotional process.

Related Questions

What Age Do Dogs Get a Cancerous Prostate?

Cancer of the prostate in canines is most commonly diagnosed in older individuals, typically occurring in dogs aged eight to 10 years and older. While it can potentially develop at any age, the risk increases with older age.

How Long Does a Dog Live With a Malignant Prostate?

The prognosis for dogs with prostatic cancer can vary depending on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, the presence of metastasis, the overall health of the dog, and the chosen treatment approach. On average, they may survive anywhere from a few months to around two years, yet individual cases can have different outcomes.

Does a Cancerous Prostate Cause Pain?

Yes, prostatic cancer in canines can cause pain. As the disease spreads, it can cause pain in the surrounding tissues and organs, leading to discomfort in the pelvic area. Dogs may exhibit signs of pain such as restlessness, difficulty sitting or lying down, reluctance to move, or vocalization when touched.

Conclusion

Recognizing the symptoms of prostate cancer in canines is critical for early detection and intervention. Difficulty urinating and blood in the urine are signs that warrant veterinary attention. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation.

Dr. Benson started Paws into Grace in 2007. She wanted to give pets and their parents a beautiful last encounter that didn't have to be in an unfamiliar office where pets were often frightened. The empathy she shows each family creates a lasting impression on them. In her free time, Dr. Benson enjoys running and spending time with her family, dogs, cats, and chickens.

  

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I can't recommend them enough. I had to say goodbye to my 21 year old cat companion. I read the reviews here on Yelp and chose Paws Into Grace and they made an unbearable situation not worse - from the people on the phone to the amazing doctor who came out to the house. She was so understanding and supportive. They were all so helpful, understanding and nice. My girl got to stay at home and say goodbye in the backyard (a hummingbird flew over and it seemed like a good sign too). So glad I didn't have to take her to a cold vet office.

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My absolute love Dante had heart failure three months ago. After having him on many medications to help him, his enthusiasm and appetite declined last couple of days. He was in pain and we decided to help him go to heaven rather than torturing him with more medications which would make him even more miserable. I called and spoke to a very kind lady who was patient as I cried through making an appointment. We made an appointment for 1:30pm. Dr. Toni arrived. She was very kind, explained everything to us and gave us the time to be with our boy after the first shot. He wasn't relaxing enough so she gave him a second shot. We stayed with him throughout the entire process and I carried him to her car in the end. It was a very difficult decision but knowing that our boy is not in pain, gives us some peace. We are thankful to Dr. Toni for her kindness and compassion. They will arrange the cremation for us. Since we are in a pandemic, we had our masks on and said goodbye to our boy in our garden.

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