What Can I Do To Prevent Prostate Cancer In Dogs
Sadly, there is no conclusive answer on how to prevent cancer in dogs. This is because the exact cause of prostate cancer in dogs is poorly understood.
As a pet parent, the best thing you can do is take proper care of your pet provide a high-quality diet, ensure physical activity, use health-boosting supplements, and practice regular veterinary checkups. Considering the incidence of prostate disease in older dogs, seniors need more than one annual veterinary visit.
Last but not least, it is a good idea to invest in a reliable pet insurance plan. Our top pick is OneVet. With OneVet, you get 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians, up to $3.000 in emergency funds, and equal conditions for insured pets regardless of pre-existing diseases.
What Are Prostate Problems In Dogs
A prostate problem most of the time is the enlargement of the gland in middle-aged and senior dogs. It can start as soon as your pet is 5 years old and it affects all breeds alike. As we have seen before, it can occur under different scenarios, but the most common reason is the increase in the size of epithelial cells of the prostate and their number.
It reaches anabnormal size that affects the quality of life of your dog because it createsproblems with normal urination and defecation. Furthermore, it can causeproblems at the hour of walking, provoke discomfort and reduce the activitylevels of your pet.
Furthermore,here are some other consequences of prostate issues:
- Urinary incontinence
- Lack of appetite
Now that you have a clear idea of what prostate problems are and how they can affect the life of your pet, it is time to explain the four main types of prostate issues in dogs.
Male dogs affected by prostatic problems may find it difficult or even impossible to breed a female dog in heat.
Fasting To Shrink An Enlarged Prostate
Is fasting a solution to shrink an enlarged prostate?
It may be, as long as you include in your diet prostate-friendly foods, like those mentioned above. Just fasting, without consciously choosing foods that shrink the prostate wont help you that much. That is why keep in mind the foods that are good for prostate health when you go grocery shopping.
What makes fasting a good way to shrink an enlarged prostate is that it involves the exclusive consumption of vegetables, excluding meat and dairy from the menu. And these foods are known for their inflammatory properties. Also, when fasting it is recommended to drink more liquids and stay hydrated. Especially drinking green tea helps soothe the prostate gland.
The enlargement of the prostate cant be cured naturally, but there are changes in lifestyle and diet that can be made in order to prevent this painful condition. Practicing an active lifestyle with physical activities, drinking plenty of liquids, having a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol consumption are natural ways of preventing prostate enlargement, among other illnesses.
It is also important to see a urologist who can recommend the best treatment in your case. Sometimes, even a surgical procedure may be recommended to relieve the symptoms. UroLift is the most advanced non-invasive BPH treatment available. Talk with Dr. Samadi about this method of prostate enlargement treatment!
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What Are The Diseases That Can Affect A Dogs Prostate
There are at least seven diseases affecting the prostate.
1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia . This is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It is associated with the male sex hormone testosterone and is the most common disease of the prostate.
2. Squamous metaplasia. This is a non-cancerous enlargement of the gland caused by excess amounts of the hormone estrogen in male dogs. An estrogen-producing testicular tumor, called a Sertoli cell tumor, is the most common estrogen-producing tumor that causes squamous metaplasia.
3. Cystic hyperplasia. This condition is usually secondary to BPH or squamous metaplasia. It is caused by obstruction of the ducts that carry prostatic secretions to the urethra. This condition causes the development of numerous fluid-filled cavities in the prostate.
4. Paraprostatic cysts. These are fluid-filled cysts that develop adjacent to the prostate. They are abnormal tissue remnants from embryonic development . The cysts begin to develop shortly after birth but often do not cause problems until the dog is several years old.
5. Bacterial infection. Bacteria may enter and infect the prostate by traveling up the urethra or may travel down the ureter from an infection that originates in the kidneys or urinary bladder, respectively. A bacterial infection is usually associated with a pre-existing abnormality of the prostate, such as BPH.
Home Remedies For Dog Uti
If you have reason to believe your dog is suffering from a urinary tract infection, the most important thing to do is talk to a vet. They can test a urine culture and determine what bacteria are present. Vets typically treat UTIs with a brief regimen of antibiotics, to be taken for a few days to a week.
If you want to try a natural remedy for your dogs UTI, there are many options you can ask your vet about. Many of these remedies help alleviate symptoms, and some also help with long-term UTI prevention. Some of them can be paired with antibiotics or other treatments, so ask your vet about that as well. Now, lets look at a few common remedies and preventative measures for UTIs.
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How Is An Enlarged Prostate Diagnosed
Your veterinarian needs to do a physical exam, including a rectal examination of your dog. She will feel the prostate either through the abdominal wall or through the rectum. The normal prostate is symmetrical and smooth, with a distinct dorsal median groove. She will also be looking for inflammation or bleeding. It should not be painful for your dog.
X-rays or ultrasound might be needed for smaller breeds. These tests might also reveal paraprostatic cysts. These are rare cysts that form outside the prostate.
Your vet may also collect prostatic fluid and may do a blood test or urine culture to see if there are other underlying medical conditions or an infection that led to BPH.
Animals with acute prostatitis may have increased white blood cells and bacteria in the urine, which are signs of infection. A bacterial culture will confirm a persistent infection.
Although rare, if canine prostate cancer is suspected, the only way to confirm it is with an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate, which is much less invasive than surgery. Neutered dogs have been found to be at a higher risk than intact dogs. They are at higher risk for urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma , prostate TCC, prostate adenocarcinoma, and prostate carcinoma.
Diagnosis Of Dog Prostrate Problems
Source: Washington State University
If your dog has symptoms of prostate problems, you should takehim to the vet for an evaluation. Most vets will perform a prostateexam as part of a yearly physical for all un-neutered males. The vetinserts a finger into the rectum and palpates the prostate gland,feeling its size and shape. If anything abnormal is detected, an x-rayor ultrasound may be ordered. Most prostrate problems in dogs are notcancerous, but if this is suspected, a biopsy may be taken. Withouttaking a biopsy, it is impossible to know for certain what is causingthe prostate problem.
Visit our guide on Canineprostate cancer to learn more about this disease and treatmentoptions.
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Remedies For An Enlarged Prostate
Even if you have an enlarged prostate, that does not mean you must live with the symptoms for the rest of your life. Your doctor might advise one of several approaches to coping with BPH, including lifestyle changes, medication changes, and other treatments. The remedies and treatments available will depend on your own health situation and how disruptive the symptoms have become.
Get Sufficient Exercise
Exercise can improve with your overall fitness, as well as benefit your prostate health. Studies have shown a connection between increased physical activity and reduced risk of BPH, with exercise of any type having some degree of benefit.
Seated activities, such cycling, can put pressure on the perineum and groin. This can lead to numbness or pinched nerves. To avoid these issues, make sure you utilize a wide seat and engage in a variety of activity types.
You can also try Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles and reduce urine dribbling. To do these exercises, squeeze the muscles that affect urine flow and then release, repeating several times to train the muscles.
Slow Down
When you head to the bathroom, make sure you slow down. When you relax your muscles and leave time to account for delayed urine and possible dribbling, you’re much more likely to completely empty your bladder. Urine that remains in the bladder because of an enlarged prostate can lead to urinary tract infections or painful bladder stones.
Reduce Caffeine and Alcohol Consumption
Natural Home Remedies For An Enlarged Prostate
Learn how to treat an enlarged prostate at home with these 15 natural remedies. You can use these easy effective treatments by yourself!
If you are not fully rested when you get up in the morning because you made 3, 4, or more trips to the bathroom during the night, it is probably time to consider that you have a problem. A major sign of prostatitis or enlarged prostate is frequent urination. You can get control over the issue by making use of one or several of our 15 home remedies for enlarged prostate and getting back to enjoying a restful nightâs sleep.
Keep in mind that an enlarged prostate could be an indicator of a more serious condition and these remedies are not all-inclusive cures. You should consult a health care professional if the condition persists for proper advice and treatment.
Also Check: How Do They Take A Biopsy Of The Prostate
Stinging Nettle Extract Is A Natural Remedy For Enlarged Prostate
Stinging nettle leaves may cause sharp, intense pain, but its extract has benefits for the prostate. The root contains essential bioactive phytochemicals that help shrink prostate tissue. Being a natural diuretic, it also encourages the elimination of inflammatory wastes through urination.
You can have stinging nettle as a drink by simply adding 1 teaspoon of dried leaves to hot water. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then strain. You can drink this tea mix 2 to 3 times daily. Always consult your physician before taking any supplement to determine the correct dosage for your size and condition.
Researchers have found that the stinging nettle has anti-inflammatory compounds similar to those contained by pygeum and saw palmetto.
A study conducted in 2019 by Bentham Science has discovered that the nettle roots extract is efficient in prostate soothing and relieving BPH symptoms. Patients have noticed a significant increase in urine flow and a reduction in prostate volume.
The nettle roots extract can be used for up to 12 months without any side effects.
Cost Of Natural And Herbal Prostate Support In Dogs
Homeopathic remedies like Chimaphila umbellata and Sabal serrulata have a price range between $35 and $70.
Herbal supplements containing saw palmetto, cleavers, or echinacea in a concentrated liquid form can be purchased for $40.
Prices can vary depending on the location and store, whether it is ordered online or acquired directly through a holistic vet. However, on average, natural and herbal prostate support for your dog is not all that expensive.
Worried about the cost of Natural And Herbal Prostate Support treatment?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
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What Are Common Dog Uti Signs And Symptoms
It can be hard to tell if your dog is in pain, because they may not show any signs at all. However, if youre seeing bloody, cloudy or their urine has a strong smell, you dog may have a UTI.
You may also notice straining or crying during urination, accidents in the house, needing to urinate more frequently, increased water consumption, or licking around their back end excessively after urinating, youll need to get them checked out by your veterinarian to rule out a UTI.
Also, if you have a dog thats all of a sudden not house-broken, especially puppies, its important to get them checked out for a bacterial UTI.
An important distinction is UTI doesnt always mean an infection. It can mean urinary tract inflammation versus urinary tract infection.
There are many causes of lower urinary tract problems that can lead to the symptoms mentioned. If you notice a change in your dogs urinary habits, make sure to get them checked out.
Some of the other causes of dog UTI signsinclude:
- Bladder inflammation or infection
- Crystals or sludge in the bladder or urethra
- Congenital abnormalities like inverted vulvas
- Cancers like transitional cell carcinoma
This is why its so important to get your pet checked out by your veterinarian if youre noticing any of the mentioned dog UTI symptoms.
What Is Prostate Cancer In Dogs
Prostate cancer in dogs is a tumor that develops when the prostate gland cells start growing without control. In general, prostatic tumors are not common in dogs. However, if it develops, it is usually in the form of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of prostate cancer.
Canine prostatic adenocarcinoma is aggressive prostate cancer with high metastatic rates. According to PetMD, this type of prostate cancer spreads to other organs and lymph nodes in over 85% of the cases. The tumor spreads to other parts of the urinary tract system , lungs, spleen, liver, and bones.
Just like in human men, the incidence of prostate cancer or adenocarcinoma is higher in older dogs . Prostatic carcinoma or adenocarcinoma is more likely to occur in larger breeds.
As lethal prostate cancer, prostatic adenocarcinoma should not be confused with benign prostatic hypertrophy. Namely, just like the human prostate, the dog prostate can become enlarged with age. However, a thorough vet exam is the only way to differentiate between an enlarged prostate and a prostatic tumor. Enlarged prostate is a more common problem than prostate cancer.
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Can A Dog Urinary Infection Cure Itself
Generally, urinary tract infections require some form of treatment. Very mild cases of UTIs may resolve themselves on their own, but cases with serious symptoms require veterinary attention. However, even if the case seems mild to you, dont be passive and expect it to go away by itself. You should always play it safe and, at the very least, give the vet a phone call to discuss your dogs symptoms and book an appointment if necessary.
What Can Happen If A Canine Uti Is Left Untreated
UTIs are serious enough in their own right and can grow even worse if untreated. At best, a UTI can cause serious discomfort to your dog. If left untreated, UTIs may cause dysfunction of the lower urinary tract in which the bladder cannot empty completely. UTIs may also cause kidney and bladder stones, blood poisoning, infertility, kidney infections, and even kidney failure. In male dogs, UTIs can lead to prostate inflammation.
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How Do You Diagnose A Dog Uti Infection
Once again if youre noticing any of the previously mentioned symptoms in your dog, its important to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up.
Your vet will do a physical examination to make sure there are no congenital problems that are predisposing them to urine pooling or other factors that could be leading to an infection.
Firstly, they need to perform a urinalysis to check the urine for infection.
The urinalysis will be able to tell the veterinarian a lot of information about whats going on in your dogs urine to rule in or out a urinary tract infection or if its just inflammation or something else going on. The urinalysis will test for:
- Urine specific gravity or USG
If the urinalysis shows an infection, your veterinarian should recommend running a urine culture. This will help identify what type of bacteria is present and which antibiotic will work against it.
You dont want to put your pet on an antibiotic for a presumed UTI but you dont even know if there is a true infection or if its just inflammation.
Never use an antibiotic without at least a urinalysis!
Antibiotics have a time and a place, but if were using them inappropriately, they will affect your pets gut health and can cause other health issues down the road by upsetting your dogs important microbiome.
Other tests your veterinarian may recommend include an ultrasound, bloodwork, or a radiograph which will help rule out bladder stones, other abnormalities, and bladder cancers.
What Can Be Done To Treat An Enlarged Prostate
The most common treatment for an enlarged prostate is castration. This is a popular option as it provides a permanent solution. No more testosterone is produced, so the prostate becomes inactive and starts to shrink. Within about a month of castration symptoms usually start to improve. If the dog in question is elderly or has other health conditions surgery may not be the first choice. Chemical castration might be considered instead.
Although chemical castration eliminates the need for surgery, it does mean there will be repeated visits to the vet for treatment over the coming years. Another option is medication. This is given for a week at a time and needs to be repeated roughly every five or six months. Your veterinary surgeon will be able to discuss all of the options taking into account your dogs medical history.
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