How Veterinarians Diagnose Prostate Cancer In Dogs
Diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma will be made with a combination of clinical signs, a thorough physical exam, and diagnostics.
The first screening tests will include blood work and a urinalysis. Blood work may show signs of anemia and infection or inflammation . The urine will be checked for abnormalities such as evidence of blood, bacteria, inflammation, or cancerous cells.
As prostatic carcinoma is very metastatic, radiographs of the abdomen and chest will be performed. A radiograph of the abdomen may show an enlarged prostate or possible mineralization of the prostate. The bony structures of the pelvis and spine will be evaluated for possible signs of metastasis.
Because the lungs are a very common place for spread, chest radiographs will most likely be obtained. Chest radiographs may show nodules within the lungs.
Advanced diagnostics, such as an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan, may also be performed. An abdominal ultrasound will allow for a more detailed examination of the prostate and the nearby lymph nodes, as well as the rest of the urinary tract and remaining abdominal organs.
A CT scan may be performed less commonly but can allow for very detailed information on the prostate and possible sites of metastasis.
Cytological samples can also aid in the diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma. Samples may be obtained by catheterization, prostatic wash, or fine needle aspiration.
Signs Of Pain In Dogs With Cancer
It may sound vague, however if your dog begins displaying any behavior that is not typical for them, it could be an indication of pain. Some of the most common signs of pain in dogs include:
- Excessive grooming
- Increased vocalization
Many dog cancers occur later in life, so chances are good that you have had your dog a few years and know their normal behavior well. So, keep your eye out for any behavior that seems strange or unusual for your pet. If your dog isnt acting like themselves, its time for a trip to the vet.
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What Causes This Type Of Cancer
The reason why a particular pet may develop this, or any tumor or cancer, is not straightforward. Very few tumors and cancers have a single known cause. Most seem to be caused by a complex mix of risk factors, some environmental and some genetic or hereditary. In the case of prostate cancer, no specific risk factors or causes have been identified. Breeds that appear to be at increased risk include the Bouvier des Flandres, Doberman Pinscher, Shetland Sheepdog, Scottish Terrier, Beagle, Miniature Poodle, German Shorthaired Pointer, Airedale Terrier, and Norwegian Elkhound.
Benign growth of the prostate is seen commonly in older dogs that have not been castrated . It is related to effects over time of the male sex hormone, testosterone, from the testicles.
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Treatment Of Canine And Human Prostate Cancer
Without treatment, the prognosis for dogs with prostate carcinoma is poor. These tumors are highly metastatic and, as noted previously, most dogs are diagnosed at advanced stages. One study reported a median survival time of approximately 21 days for a group of 17 dogs with prostate carcinoma, including 15 receiving no treatment . Another study reported very low median survival times for 76 dogs with prostate carcinoma . Most of the dogs were
Clinical Signs To Look For
The clinical signs of prostate cancer in dogs are more behavioral than physical. You wont feel any bumps, and other than perhaps weight loss, you won t notice changes to your dogs physical appearance when he has prostate cancer. Prostate tumors in dogs eventually begin to cause other problems, however. If your dog is straining to urinate or there is blood in his urine, those are potential indicators. These symptoms present like a bladder infection but can be caused by a mass in the prostate pressing on the urethra. Your dog also may strain to defecate or have a change in their stool shape. Feces can be thinner, smaller or ribbon-like. Your dog also may have difficulty rising or lying down due to discomfort caused by the mass.
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Are Prostatic Tumors Benign Or Malignant
Cancer can originate in the prostate gland itself or from another organ that spreads to the prostate.
Although relatively rare, prostate cancer in dogs is fatal and malignant. This disease is typically aggressive that animals with it have a guarded condition to poor prognosis.
It may be hard to determine which type of cancer a dog is suffering from, but the most commonly diagnosed tumor is prostatic adenocarcinoma.
It arises from the glandular tissue in the prostate and is the most malignant type of prostate cancer.
Highly metastatic, it spreads easily in the body and affects organs such as the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and other parts of the urinary tract.
The brain and spinal cord may be uncommon sites of spread, but when reached, prostatic adenocarcinoma may result in neurological dysfunction, such as the inability to walk and odd behavior.
The other type of cancer that can affect the prostrate is traditional cell carcinoma which occurs in the urinary system. It grows slowly and is less malignant than adenocarcinoma.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy or noncancerous tumors can also develop in dogs that have not been neutered, though unusual to happen.
Adenocarcinoma, TCC, and BHP are the most common types of prostate diseases in older dogs.
While treatment depends on the progression of the disease, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are strongly suggested to improve the chance of survival.
Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer In Dogs
The most common symptoms of prostate cancer in dogs are related to the urinary tract. As the prostate enlarges, it compresses the urethra, which leads to abnormal urinary habits such as straining to urinate, frequent urination with only small amounts of urine produced at a time, blood in the urine, and the complete inability to urinate.
Symptoms of prostatic adenocarcinoma, however, may not be limited to just the urinary tract. If the cancer spreads, other organs can be affected. The mass may invade into the bladder, which can cause further bleeding, infection, and trouble urinating. Potential damage to the kidneys can occur if a ureter becomes obstructed.
If the prostatic mass is very large, there may be compression of the colon. This can lead to straining to defecate and abnormal-appearing stools.
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How Does This Cancer Typically Progress
Prostatic carcinoma is typically a very locally aggressive tumor with a high likelihood of metastasis . One of the main concerns with prostate tumors is the potential of metastasis to bone. Up to 42% of dogs with prostatic carcinoma develop metastasis to the bones, most commonly the pelvis or lumbar vertebrae .
Staging is highly recommended. This may include bloodwork, urinalysis, X-rays of the lungs and/or abdomen, and a full abdominal ultrasound. If any lymph nodes are enlarged or feel abnormal, further sampling may be pursued to determine if spread is present.
“Staging is highly recommended.”
Even though prostatic cancers are associated with a high rate of spread, the local disease can become problematic as well. As the tumor grows it may completely compress, or grow into, the urethra, causing significant discomfort and potentially the inability to urinate. In these cases, surgery or surgical stent placement may be discussed as palliative measures to reduce the impact of the disease and improve your pets quality of life.
Proliferative Diseases Of The Prostate: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia And Prostatic Carcinoma
Prostatic enlargement may be caused by a variety of inflammatory, non-neoplastic, and neoplastic disease processes which are summarized in Table 1 . The most common cause of an enlarged canine or human prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia , which is an age-related increase in prostate volume and weight. The development of BPH is not a risk factor for subsequent occurrence of carcinoma. In men, the transition zone is the prostatic sub-region most commonly affected by BPH
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Symptoms Of Canine Prostate Cancer
Canine prostate cancer is an uncommon but aggressive, and often fatal, disease. Prostate cancer can affect both neutered and intact male dogs but usually occurs in older canines. The function of the prostate gland is to supply the fluid that transports the sperm and it lies below the rectum and just behind the bladder. The most common type of canine prostate cancer is carcinoma. This highly aggressive and invasive cancer can rapidly spread to the lymph nodes, bones and lungs. The condition usually goes undetected until the later, more advanced stages are evident. Canine prostate cancer seems to develop without any known cause and can affect any breed of dog.
Check Out Natural Remedies For Dog Cancer
Prostate cancer in dogs can be managed holistically, using both conventional and complementary treatment options such as herbs and supplements. Visit our pages on Herbs for Canine Cancer andDog Cancer Diet for more information.ReferencesDog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook 4th editionThe Nature of Animal HealingThe Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs
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Prostate Cancer In Dogs Faqs
How long can a dog live after being diagnosed with prostatic adenocarcinoma?
The average survival time after diagnosis varies depending on whether or not treatment is performed. As disease is often advanced once a diagnosis is made, survival time is very short. If no treatment is pursued, euthanasia is usually performed within a month of diagnosis. Depending on the treatment used, survival times average around 7 months after diagnosis.
How aggressive is prostatic adenocarcinoma in dogs?
Canine prostatic adenocarcinoma is very locally aggressive and has a very high metastatic rate.
Is prostatic adenocarcinoma curable in dogs?
Prostatic adenocarcinoma is not curable, but it may be successfully removed with surgery in some cases.
Do Dogs Have Prostates
Yes, male dogs have prostates, and male dogs can develop prostate problems.
Canine prostate cancer is more common in intact males. The effects of the hormone testosterone on the gland over time trigger the disease. Very often it leads to benign prostatic hypertrophy in older male dogs. Dogs over 8 years are prone to develop prostate cancer.
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Prostate Cancer Symptoms In Dogs
In dogs, prostate cancer is not a common occurrence, but when it happens, it is a matter of concern, as it is difficult to detect. Also, if left untreated, it can cause be fatal for your pet. Here’s more…
In dogs, prostate cancer is not a common occurrence, but when it happens, it is a matter of concern, as it is difficult to detect. Also, if left untreated, it can cause be fatal for your pet. Heres more
Behind the bladder, in between the pelvis and below the rectum, lies the prostate gland in dogs. Its main function is to supply fluid that will help in the transportation of the sperms. Prostate problems start developing as age advances. As dogs become old, they suffer from various prostate problems. In most cases, the actual cause cannot be detected. But it is mostly observed in unaltered male dogs than neutered male dogs.
There are many symptoms, carcinoma being the most common type. This type of cancer is extremely dangerous, and it can spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, and bones very rapidly and easily. In most cases, by the time the cancer is diagnosed, it has reached the advanced stage.
Causes And Signs Of Prostate Problems In Dogs
An enlarged prostate is a common condition that affects men in their senior years. But men are not the exception because male dogs and other male mammals all have prostate and can thus suffer from prostate problems. These problems are mostly common in older non-fixed male dogs.
While enlarged prostate in dogs can be a health condition itself, it can also be a symptom of some other prostate disease. In this article, we will take a closer look at the prostate, the common symptoms of prostate problems in dogs, and what you can do to prevent or fix these issues.
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How Long Does A Dog Have To Live With Prostate Cancer
The survival time for dogs with prostate cancer is short and usually equals around 7 months after the diagnosis. As in all cases, the exact prognosis depends on the stage of the prostate tumor, the dogs overall health, and the treatment type.
The average survival time is much shorter for dogs with prostatic cancer in an advanced stage. In such cases, the owner is advised to consider euthanasia. Euthanasia should also be considered if the dogs quality of life is severely compromised.
Types Of Prostatic Carcinoma In Dogs
There are two types of prostate cancer in dogs. One is adenocarcinoma or carcinoma, a cancer that forms in the prostate gland. The other is transitional cell carcinoma, which can also be seen in the bladder. Prostate cancer can metastasize into the lymph nodes, liver and/or lungs. It also can grow locally or spread into the urethra or backward into the bladder.
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What Is Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a common problem in older male dogs. Most tumors of the prostate are a malignant type of glandular cancer, called adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly to other parts of the body.
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Warning Signs A Dog Is Dying
OK, here are some things that you can look for to see if your dog is nearing the end of life. Keep in mind that none of these are definitive, and if your dog is only going through one or two of them, it may not mean shes near the end. I have heard from too many readers over the years about turnarounds to think that any one of the following signs definitely means your dog is going for sure.
But if you see several of the following warning signs, all at the same time? Breathe deeply. Well cover some more things for you to do in the next section.
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Signs Of Cancer In Dogs
Cancer is a topic that no pet parent wants to think about. But the fact is that one in three dogs will eventually develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.
If caught early, roughly half of all canine cancers are treatable. Thats why its so important to learn the most common signs of cancer in dogs.
Just remember that many conditions, not just cancer, can cause similar clinical signs, and that the signs may vary depending on the type of cancer.
Identifying these symptoms is the first step, and the next step is to visit your veterinarian to make the correct diagnosis.
Prevention Of Prostate Cancer
Neutering does not seem to prevent or initiate tumor development, but it favors tumor progression. This may result from luteinizing hormone concentrations that persist for the dog’s life following neutering due to the loss of negative testicular feedback. LH receptors are present within human prostatic epithelium but have not yet been investigated in dog normal or neoplastic prostate tissue.
Testosterone stimulation in dogs is not related to the development of prostate cancer. Accordingly, neutering is not protective against canine prostate cancer.
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What Is Prostate Gland
The prostate gland is a male accessory gonad. Its function is the secretion of seminal plasma, which contains many proteins. The prostate is a semioval bilobular exocrine gland. Dorsally it is in contact with the rectum, ventrally with the pubic symphysis, laterally with the abdominal wall, and cranially with the bladder.
The prostate is covered with a fibromuscular tissue capsule. It is palpatory rectally. It has two lobes. The gland communicates with the urethra. It is mostly composed of secretory glandular tissue, and histologically it is not differentiated into areas.
Prostatic secretion depends on testosterone which is produced in the testicles. Neutered dogs lack testosterone which leads the prostate to atrophy.
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Consider Your Dogs Specific Situation
Before we dive into the conversation of when to euthanize a dog with cancer, its important to realize that every dog is different.
While some pet parents discover a dogs cancer during a drastic decline in their health, others may discover the issue during a routine exam of their happy pup.
Some dogs will have a short span of happy days after their cancer diagnosis. And others will continue to live comfortably for months on end.
Our pups are just like humans in the sense that each and every body will respond differently to medical conditions.
While your veterinarians guidance will help you maneuver this upcoming journey with your sick canine, your daily observations and understanding of their personality will help you make this decision as well.
Now that you understand how different each situation can be based on the dog in question, lets get into the common types of cancer in dogs.
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How To Prevent Prostate Cancer In Dogs
Different breeds will have different health considerations to make with their overall care. Working dogs and those exposed to potential hazards may need to be brought to the veterinarian for more regular checkups. In general, all dogs should be taken to the vet at least once a year. When the dog reaches 7 years of age, it will be considered an elderly dog and should be taken more often for a general physical exam. This should include a prostate exam to ensure there is no enlargement of the gland.
Providing an adequate diet is also important for your dog and can contribute indirectly to reducing the possibility of prostate cancer. Frequent exercise is also important for overall canine health. If you would like to know more about reproduction related cancers in dogs, you may want to learn about transmisible venereal tumors.
This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Symptoms of Prostate Cancer in Dogs, we recommend you visit our Reproductive system diseases category.