Prostate cancer definition

Prostate cancer, also known as prostate tumors, is a rare but extremely serious disease that can affect male dogs regardless of whether they are neutered or not. By the time the tumor is detected it has usually spread to the spine, pelvis, lymph nodes, lungs and/or other distant locations. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of prostate cancer in dogs. Carcinoma, fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma can also affect the prostate, especially in neutered male dogs. Symptoms of prostate cancer will gradually develop and include abnormal urination, defecation, constipation, vomiting, bloody discharge from the penis, lameness, lethargy, loss of appetite and weight, weakness and depression. Some dogs will show some of these symptoms, and some will not show them. , some will all show these symptoms. Owners who notice these symptoms should take their dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer can affect male dogs of all breeds and ages (although the risk is higher in older dogs), whether spayed or unneutered. Signs of prostate cancer often look like signs of other prostate conditions, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostate abscess, or prostatitis.

Symptoms of prostate cancer usually develop gradually.

The symptoms of prostate cancer are as follows:

1. Frequent urination

2. Abnormally low urination

3. Urinary incontinence

4. Tension to urinate (colic; caused by excessive bladder pressure)

5. Difficulty urinating

6. Hematuria

7. Forced defecation

8.Constipation

9. Anxious

10. Periodic blood (discharge) flowing from the penis

Causes and prevention of prostate cancer

The prostate is a male dog's lobe gland located at the junction of the bladder and urethra. It contributes to the liquid content of semen. As male dogs age, the prostate increases in size and weight. This is normal. The main prostate problems in dogs are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cysts, bacterial prostate infections, inflamed prostate (prostatitis), prostate abscesses, and cancer (neoplasia). Among them, prostatitis and prostatitis are the most common in domestic dogs. Although prostate cancer is not very common, it is the most serious of all prostate diseases in dogs.

Causes of Prostate Cancer

The most common type of prostate cancer in dogs is adenocarcinoma, which predominates in unspayed dogs or neutered dogs. Other tumor types include undifferentiated carcinoma, fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma; these tend to be more common in neutered dogs. Regardless of type, prostate tumors are aggressive. They usually invade surrounding tissue and are highly metastatic, often spreading to the bones of the spine and/or pelvis and adjacent (regional) lymph nodes. They also frequently metastasize to the lungs.

Prostate Cancer Prevention

There is currently no known way to prevent prostate cancer. Because prostate tumors are not affected by testosterone, sterilization will not reduce the risk of the disease or slow its progression

What kind of dogs are at increased risk?

Prostate cancer is a common disease regardless of age, whether neutered or not. It usually occurs in older dogs, about 10 years old on average, depending on on variety. Large and giant breed dogs generally have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs. Therefore, they tend to develop prostate cancer earlier than other dogs. There is no recognized breed predisposition to prostate cancer, but medium, large, and giant breeds appear to be more susceptible.

Canine prostate cancer is extremely aggressive. Even after treatment, infected dogs should receive regular veterinary examinations for signs of metastasis. Unfortunately, dogs with clinical signs caused by prostate cancer have a serious prognosis (high chance of metastasis) because the disease can easily recur or metastasize to other sites. Medical management may help prolong the dog's quality of life. However, euthanasia is a realistic consideration for men with prostate cancer, especially once it has metastasized. Only a veterinarian, in consultation with the owner, can determine the best course of treatment for these dogs.