Dog Prostatic Tumor

Prostatic neoplasias are cancerous tumors of the prostate gland. There has never been a prostate tumor that has been benign. For this reason, all tumors of the prostate are considered to be malignant. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of malignant prostate tumor. On occasion the tumor will be a transitional cell.

This is an aggressive form of Dog Cancer and metastasizes quickly. The lymph nodes in the back of the pelvis in the lower lumbar area, the lungs and liver are also areas that are frequently involved. The prognosis is always poor.

Although the rate of prostate disease is low in dogs, it is always bad. It can affect any breed of dog but is primarily a disease of older dogs that are medium to large. Neutered and non-neutered dogs are equally likely to have Dog Prostate Cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Some of the first things you may notice in your dog are blood in the urine or your dog straining to defecate or urinate. There can be a discharge from the penis, accompanied by discomfort in the abdomen. Dog Constipation and weakness in the back legs as well as Dog Weight Loss may also be evident. Dog Loss of Appetite, fatigue and Dog Lethargy behavior as well as Dog Fever are all possible.

Diagnosis

• Your veterinarian will need to have an accurate history as to the progress of symptoms

• A digital exam of the rectum will be done

• Blood tests including blood count and chemical profile will be done

• Urinalysis

• Microscopic examination of prostatic fluid

• A culture of the prostate

• X-rays of the abdomen and an ultrasound will be done

• Chest X-rays are also helpful

Treatment Options

With a prognosis that is not good in any instance, the decision as to what type to use won’t change the fact that the life of your dog is greatly diminished. Treatment will vary depending on the type of cancer involved. The basic goal of any treatment for prostatic cancer is to keep your dog comfortable during its final days. Adenocarcinoma is the least responsive to treatment. Transitional cell cancers usually have metastasized from the bladder or urethra. In either case, the treatment options are limited.

Dog Radiation Therapy is used if there is no evidence of metastasis. While radiation will not cure the cancer, it will help to improve the comfort of your dog. By reducing the size of the tumor, your dog may become more comfortable.

Dog Cancer Chemotherapy is also used to decrease the size of the tumor and the associated inflammation. Dogs with adenocarcinoma do not respond positively to chemotherapy alone.

Surgery is a last resort. Performing a prostatectomy is a difficult procedure and is rarely recommended. Complications from this type of surgery are common and it rarely prolongs the life of the dog.

Home Care

The primary goal is to keep your dog as comfortable as possible. Consultation with your veterinarian and the administration of prescribed medication will help to keep your dog comfortable. There are some medications that can cause vomiting and/or Dog Diarrhea. In the event that this occurs, you will need to consult with your veterinarian.

Suggested Products

Nu-Pet Vitamin & Antioxidant Wafers
Cancer Support Kit – Dogs
ES Clear – Dog Cancer Support
Plantaeris for Dog Diarrhea
Maris for Dog Constipation

Additional Dog Cancer Pages

Dog Cancer | Dog Skin Cancer | Dog Bladder Cancer | Dog Pancreatic Cancer | Dog Bone Cancer | Dog Cancer Prevention | Dog Cancer Diagnosis | Dog Lymphoma Cancer | Dog Gastric Cancer | Dog Mast Cell Tumors