Prostatic Cancer in Dogs

By Elizabeth A. Maginnis

Canine prostatic cancer commonly occurs in older male dogs, usually without an obvious cause. Castration has no effect on your dog's chances for developing the disease. Unfortunately, this cancer, once developed, tends to spread to other parts of the body and does not typically present with symptoms until it is well advanced. Although prognosis is poor, certain treatments can make your dog more comfortable.


Symptoms
Canine prostate cancer symptoms include dysuria (an inability to urinate) from an obstruction in the urinary tract, pain and blood upon urination, incontinence, straining or inability to defecate and weight loss.

Diagnosis
Unfortunately, symptoms do not appear and diagnosis does not usually take place until the disease has advanced too far to cure. Following a veterinary examination, the dog typically undergoes a biopsy, X-rays and ultrasound to confirm the doctor's suspicions.

Conventional Treatments
Unless prostate cancer symptoms are present, treatment of a benign prostate tumor is typically unnecessary. If symptoms are present (in the case of a benign tumor), castration of your dog should halt prostate enlargement. The drug Megace may be prescribed to shrink the prostate if castration is rejected as a option. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy comprise the accepted treatment regimen for cancerous prostate growths; chemotherapy is used even though this type of cancer does not respond well to the treatment. Radiation has been proven to slow the progression of the disease.

Herbal Treatments
Saw palmetto contains natural anti-inflammatory agents that have proven effective against an enlarged prostate gland. Cleavers expels toxins and is used in situations involving glandular inflammation and swelling and urinary tract problems. Echinacea has been proven to boost the immune system and reduce prostate inflammation. A veterinary herbalist will be able to prescribe the correct dose.

Homeopathic Treatments
Baryta carb reduces enlarged prostates, frequent urination and burning upon urination. A homeopathic veterinarian can advise on the correct concentration and dosage.

Prognosis
Since diagnosis of canine prostate cancer does not occur until the disease is far advanced, prognosis is not good. The median life expectancy of a patient following diagnosis is approximately 30 days. Certain chemotherapy drugs with anti-inflammatory properties may extend life post-diagnosis to slightly less than a year.