Prostate Cancer in Dogs
Prostate cancer is a cancer of the prostate gland. This gland lives behind your dog’s bladder beneath its rectum. Unfortunately, prostate cancer is commonly seen in older male dogs. This type of cancer is usually aggressive and can quickly spread to your dog’s lungs and lymph nodes. The prostate gland will enlarge and pressure surrounding areas if your dog has prostate cancer.
This type of cancer can resemble many different types of cancer, such as:
- Fibrosarcoma
- Carcinoma
- Leiomyosarcoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
As a pet parent, it is crucial to understand the symptoms of prostate cancer in dogs. Below are the common signs that are seen with prostate cancer:
- Pain around the rectum and prostate
- Blood in urine
- Difficulty or decreased frequency of urination
- Fever and lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite resulting in extreme weight-loss
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it would be best for them to be evaluated by a veterinarian. They will examine your dog and take x-rays or ultrasounds to see if the prostate gland is enlarged. There are treatment options if your dog has prostate cancer. They may have surgery or partake in medical treatment or chemotherapy. Discuss with your veterinarian the different treatment options and how you can keep your dog comfortable for as long as possible.
