Canine Prostatitis

Canine prostatitis can cause weakness, lethargy and stomach pain.

Prostatitis is an infection of the prostate gland that occurs in male dogs. According to Pet Place, prostatitis in dogs is commonly caused by a disease of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis. Occasionally, prostatitis may develop as a secondary infection to other types of prostate disease. Prostatitis in dogs may occur suddenly or develop gradually over time. Senior dogs and dogs that have not been neutered are at a greater risk of developing prostatitis.

Signs and Symptoms

Dogs with prostatitis may experience weakness, vomiting, painful and bloody urination, lethargy, weight loss, infertility, chronic urinary tract infections, fever, and stomach pain. Signs and symptoms may vary depending on severity of the infection and whether or not the onset is acute (sudden) or chronic (gradual and lengthy).

Diagnosis

A skilled veterinarian can properly diagnose prostatitis in a dog. However, symptoms alone may not be enough to make a diagnosis of prostatitis. The veterinarian may perform a rectal exam, urinalysis, abdominal x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and/or prostate massage to gather information about the dog's condition.

Treatment

Treatment for canine prostatitis typically involves oral antibiotics (to treat the infection) and pain medication (to ease discomfort). In acute prostatitis, IV fluids may be given to help the dog regain strength. In cases that involve the frequent recurrence of acute prostatitits, the veterinarian may recommend that the dog be neutered.

Prevention

Although pet owners cannot always prevent their dogs from becoming sick, neutering a dog before he reaches sexually maturity greatly reduces his chances of developing prostatitis, according to Pet Place. In addition, pet owners should have their senior and non-neutered dogs regularly examined by a veterinarian, who may be able to detect early signs of prostatitis.

Considerations

Because the signs and symptoms of prostatitis in dogs can be general and subtle, pet owners should be aware that there are other diseases that cause similar signs as prostatitis. If a pet owner suspects that her dog is experiencing symptoms of prostatitis, she should take the dog to a skilled veterinarian who can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment options accordingly.

References

• Pet Place: Prostatitis