Beagle Prostrate Problems
Males beagles, like any other breed of male dog, may be diagnosed with prostate problems including prostate cancer, bacterial infections and an enlarged prostate. Beagles are no more prone to these prostate issues than any other breed. The key to prostate problems is not the breed but the status of the dog; if neutered, prostate issues and problems are greatly reduced.
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Beagles
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Beagles are easily distinguishable by their tricolor markings. Beagles are popular dogs originally bred for hunting. The breed is distinguishable by its unique coloring and floppy ears. The white portion at the tip of the beagle tail aids hunters in locating their dogs on hunting excursions, even in tall grass. According to the American Kennel Club, beagles were the fifth most popular registered breed in the United States in 2008. Beagles still are used as hunting dogs, but also are found to be excellent companion animals for active people.
Common Beagle Health Problems
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Beagles, like all other dogs, require health care and vaccinations. Beagles are hearty dogs; however, there are several common ailments beagles often have. These include cherry eye, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, epilepsy and ear infections. Ear infections are common to dogs like the beagle which have floppy ears where moisture can collect. Regular veterinarian appointments can help keep a beagle healthy.
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Prostate
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Male beagles, like other breeds, can face prostate problems. The prostate is located in the pelvic area of a dog, just like a human. The prostate is behind the bladder and below the rectum. When a male dog is not neutered, the prostate can cause health problems for the dog similar to those faced by humans. Male dogs generally face prostate problems beginning as early as age 4 or 5, though some dogs have been diagnosed with prostate problems even earlier. Symptoms include frequent or difficult urination, constipation, fever and lethargic behavior.
Prostate Problems
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An enlarged prostate is common for an unaltered male dog. Prostate problems include prostate cancer, inflammation and enlarged prostate. Prostate cancer, while relatively rare, is generally very serious and can be life threatening. Treatment generally calls for removal of the dog's testicles, which will cause the prostate to shrink. Inflammation of the prostate can be very uncomfortable for a dog and may cause great difficulty with urination. Inflammation is usually caused by bacterial infections, which can be treated with antibiotics. An enlarged prostate, also known as prostate hypertrophy, is very common in male dogs over 5 years old that have not been neutered. This can cause difficulty with constipation as the enlarged prostate presses against the dog's rectum.
Neutering
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Neutering can prevent prostate problems. Neutering prevents prostate problems. By neutering a dog at puberty, the prostate does not have the opportunity to develop due to lack of testosterone. An undeveloped prostate is generally a problem-free prostate; it is rare for a male dog to develop prostate problems if neutered. Ninety percent of prostate problems can be prevented by neutering. There are exceptions, however, and any unusual symptoms should be immediately checked out with a veterinarian.
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References
- Photo Credit Beagle image by Buffy1982 from Fotolia.com little beagle image by Denveros from Fotolia.com beagle profile bw image by devilpup from Fotolia.com beagle sitzend image by Otmar Smit from Fotolia.com
