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PROSTATE PROBLEMS

Often middle-aged men have to become aware of a gland that they may have previously not even heard of, occasionally needing to go to the doctor to have it checked, which is an experience some would rather forget!

Well, middle aged entire male dogs (i.e. un-castrated) can also suffer from prostate problems! There are several conditions that can occur and they can all show a range of symptoms. The prostate is a gland that is located internally in the pelvic region. It surrounds the urethra (the tube that takes urine from the bladder to the outside world) and sits below the dogs rectum. It produces a fluid that mixes with sperm and increases the total volume of spermatic fluid.

To see some great diagrams, go to our "urogenital pictures" in the Hills Atlas at Hills Urogenital.

Symptoms

Often when there is a condition affecting the prostate there will be some enlargement of the gland.

This can cause any, or all, of the following symptoms:

• difficulty passing urine
• blood dripping from the penis
• constipation
• passing small thin tape shaped faeces

If the problems are not addressed it can become a serious source of illness and discomfort. It is important to determine early whether it is an easily treatable condition or something more serious like prostate cancer.

So if you have an older un-desexed male dog then watch him carefully for any of the above signs. If there is anything you are unsure about then contact us.

An easy way to reduce the chances of prostate problems is desexing at a young age!