Prostatitis in Dogs: Recognizing the Symptoms

Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland, is a common condition affecting male dogs, particularly those that are intact (not neutered) and senior. While the severity of symptoms can vary greatly depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic, and the presence of complications, recognizing the signs is crucial for timely veterinary intervention and preventing long-term health issues. Left untreated, prostatitis can lead to serious complications, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and even prostate cancer.

Acute Prostatitis: This is the more severe form of the disease, characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms and often requiring immediate veterinary care. Dogs suffering from acute prostatitis will typically exhibit a range of noticeable symptoms:

Fever: A significant elevation in body temperature is a hallmark of acute prostatitis. This is the body’s response to the infection and inflammation.

Lethargy and Depression: The dog will appear listless, withdrawn, and less interactive than usual. Their overall energy levels will be significantly reduced.

Anorexia: Loss of appetite is another common symptom. The dog may refuse food or only eat small amounts.

Pain and Discomfort: The inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland cause significant pain. This can manifest in several ways:

Straining to Urinate: The dog may exhibit difficulty or pain during urination, potentially leading to hesitancy or frequent attempts to urinate with little success.

Altered Gait: The dog’s walk may become stiff and awkward, resembling a stilted or high-stepping gait due to abdominal discomfort. They might be reluctant to move or show signs of pain when their abdomen is touched.

Constipation: Pain in the abdominal region can also affect bowel movements, leading to constipation and straining during defecation. Tenesmus (the feeling of incomplete bowel emptying) may also be present.

Bloody or Purulent Discharge: The presence of blood or pus in the urine or as a urethral discharge is a strong indicator of infection.

Palpable Pain: During a physical examination, the veterinarian will palpate (feel) the abdomen. In acute cases, the prostate gland will be enlarged, tender, and painful to the touch. In some cases, a fluctuant mass (indicating an abscess) might be detected.

Urinary Obstruction: In severe cases, a prostate abscess can cause complete urinary obstruction, requiring immediate veterinary intervention to prevent kidney damage.

Chronic Prostatitis: Unlike acute prostatitis, chronic prostatitis often presents with less dramatic and more subtle symptoms. Many dogs with chronic prostatitis may not show any overt clinical signs, making early detection challenging. However, some common indicators include:

Recurrent UTIs: Chronic prostatitis frequently leads to recurring urinary tract infections. These UTIs may manifest with symptoms such as increased urinary frequency, straining to urinate, and cloudy or bloody urine.

Subtle Changes in Urination: The dog may show slight changes in their urination habits, such as slightly more frequent urination or occasional straining. However, these changes are often easily overlooked by owners.

Occasional Bloody or Purulent Discharge: While not always present, intermittent blood or pus in the urine or urethral discharge can occur during periods of flare-up or infection exacerbation.

Palpable Prostate Enlargement: During rectal examination, the veterinarian might detect an enlarged prostate gland. However, unlike acute prostatitis, it may not be painful to the touch. The prostate may feel firm or even have a fluctuant area, indicative of an abscess.

Asymptomatic: In many cases, chronic prostatitis remains completely asymptomatic until complications, such as a UTI or prostate abscess, develop.

Diagnostic Testing: To confirm a diagnosis of prostatitis, the veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, including rectal palpation of the prostate gland. Further diagnostic tests may include:

Urinalysis: To assess for the presence of bacteria, blood, or other abnormalities in the urine.

Blood tests: To evaluate for signs of infection (increased white blood cell count) and assess overall kidney function.

Prostate fluid culture: A sample of prostate fluid may be collected via transrectal massage and cultured to identify the causative bacteria and determine appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Imaging techniques (Ultrasound, X-rays): These can help visualize the prostate gland, assess its size and consistency, and detect the presence of abscesses or other abnormalities.

Treatment: Treatment for prostatitis depends on the severity and type of infection. Acute cases often require hospitalization for intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Chronic cases may be managed with oral antibiotics, often for a prolonged period (3-4 weeks or longer). In cases of prostate abscesses, surgical drainage may be necessary. In some cases, neutering may be recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence. Pain management and supportive care are also important aspects of treatment.

Early detection and prompt veterinary care are essential to manage prostatitis effectively and prevent serious complications. If you suspect your dog may be suffering from prostatitis, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately.