Prostate cancer in dogs is a very serious disease.
This aggressive cancer can spread to other areas such as the lungs, bones, and lymph nodes.
Older dogs are usually affected.
So, what are some of the signs you will notice? Symptoms Two of the most common symptoms of this cancer are weight loss and general pain.
Your dog's prostate will also become enlarged.
As it grows, it will push against the urethra which makes it difficult to urinate.
Blood may also appear in the urine.
Prostate cancer in dogs may also weaken the hind legs.
If you pay attention, you will notice that your dog will walk with shorter steps.
He may also have an arched back.
Diagnosis This disease usually goes undetected until it has already advanced.
Based on the symptoms of your dog, the veterinarian will perform a range of tests.
These include contrast x-rays, ultrasound scans, and urine tests.
A biopsy of the rectal wall will provide the most definitive method of diagnosis.
Treatment If your dog has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, he will have a variety of treatment options.
Most dogs undergo chemotherapy or radiation in order to fight the cancer.
Another option is surgery.
However, dog's prostate glands are more complex than ours, so surgery can be very dangerous.
Prognosis As mentioned earlier, prostate cancer in dogs is a very serious disease.
The prognosis in most cases is very bleak.
On an average, dog's don't survive more than two months after they start displaying signs of disease.
Virtually all dogs don't survive for more than a year.