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⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect your pet may have a medical condition and before starting or changing any treatment.
An inflamed prostate is called prostatitis and it is known among vets for causing dogs to experience a great deal of discomfort. They can quickly become quite unwell. Intact males are at greatest risk as they produce testosterone and have a larger prostate gland.
Prostatitis must be differentiated from prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These two other conditions are also common in un-castrated males, but have different presentations and prognoses.
Prostate disorders are regularly seen in intact males, with an estimated two-thirds developing an enlarged prostate by the age of five. This article covers the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, typical treatment, recovery and prevention of prostatitis in male dogs.
All male dogs have prostate glands, though they are very small and generally not problematic in those who are castrated when young.
The prostate of a male dog helps support the sperm by producing seminal fluid. The fluid provides nutrients and helps maintain an alkaline (higher) pH. It contracts when a dog ejaculates, squeezing fluid and propelling sperm forwards.
The prostate in dogs has two lobes and sits above the bladder. Given the location, we can see how trouble with the prostate can cause issues with peeing and pooping.
There are a couple of types of prostate inflammation: Acute and chronic.
Acute prostatitis causes very intense pain and dogs become suddenly unwell. Many develop a high fever, severe lethargy, and trouble passing urine.
Chronic prostate inflammation causes more vague signs that can come and go. This may include recurrent urinary tract infections, abdominal pain, stiff movements, and difficulty urinating and defecating.
The prostate gland can be problematic for the dog in various ways. Some of the other conditions to be aware of include:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Most middle-aged and older dogs have enlargement of the prostate gland. This frequently causes them no bother, but can lead to skinny poos and bloody urine.
Prostatic cysts. A cyst on the prostate gland is a collection of sterile fluid. Symptoms only occur if it gets so large that it presses on body parts around it.
Prostate cancer (adenocarcinoma). Sadly, it is also possible for cancer to affect the prostate gland. It tends to be an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis, but is thankfully rare.
Prostatitis can cause a range of symptoms, some of which are seen with other conditions (like urinary tract infections or spinal disease).
Dogs may have difficulty passing urine and can frequently pass small amounts or dribble their pee
Visible blood in the urine or bloody discharge from the prepuce
Pain, which can be felt in the abdomen or back. The patient may be stiff, reluctant to move, and lying down more
Straining to defecate. The stool can be thin and ‘ribbon-like’ as it gets squished on the way out
Fever, lethargy, or reduced appetite. These are especially features of acute prostatitis
Infertility or abnormal semen is a factor to consider in breeding dogs
Emergency Signs: If your dog cannot pass urine, has pale gums, is weak, or is experiencing severe pain, then they need to see a local emergency vet.
There are a number of potential causes for canine prostatitis, and it is typically seen in older and intact males.
Some of the ‘repeat offending’ bacteria that cause canine UTIs induce E. coli, Staphylococcus and Proteus. The bacteria travel up the urinary tract towards the prostate.
As well as urinary infections, things like prostatic cysts, bladder stones and certain systemic diseases can lead to prostatitis. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is also commonly a co-factor.
If a dog is immune-suppressed or there is poor hygiene (ongoing diarrhoea or long, soiled fur around their back end), there is a higher risk of prostatitis.
It is worth briefly mentioning that neutered dogs can develop prostatitis too, but this is much more rare. Their small prostate gland can become infected from a UTI or blood infection, and for some dogs, cancer may be involved.
Diagnosing prostatitis is an important step before treatment begins.
Your vet will discuss your dog’s recent symptoms, and will perform a full nose to tail check. The check will include a rectal exam, so the prostate can be felt, to see if it is enlarged or tender. Some dogs will be sedated for this, if in a lot of pain.
The vet may use a needle to collect a sterile sample of urine from the bladder to analyse it and check for bacterial infection. This can be sent to an external lab for culture.
Note: If collecting the urine from home, your vet may recommend catching the mid-stream portion of the urine in a clean container, as there is less risk of external contaminants.
An enlarged prostate can be identified on X-ray and the vet will assess for any evidence of fluid build up that is present.
Abdominal ultrasounds are helpful for visually assessing the prostate gland, and allow an opportunity to sample the tissue.
Manual ejaculation can provide a sample of prostatic fluid for analysis. Otherwise, a catheter can be passed to collect prostatic secretions. A small amount of saline is introduced, and after mixing with the fluid, gently aspirated back.
There is the possibility for the prostate to be sampled (Fine Needle Aspirate) or biopsied at the same time, especially where cancer is a concern.
Treatment depends on a range of factors, so let’s take a closer look at how this condition is managed in varying patients.
Antibiotics are the cornerstone of therapy, as bacterial infections are present in so many cases. Vets usually initially start empiric therapy (make a ‘best guess’ as to the most effective option), but then provide the antibiotics recommended by the culture test.
They’ll ensure the drugs reach high concentrations within the prostate gland, and they’ll be given for a number of weeks, or even months.
Prostatitis is a painful condition, particularly the acute version. Strong pain relief may be prescribed by the vet for the duration of the condition, and anti-inflammatories are frequently needed to help minimise the swelling and inflammation.
Prostatic infections can become abscesses, most notably when the dog also has prostate cysts or BPH. Affected dogs are critically ill and frequently need to be hospitalized for supportive treatment and abscess drainage. Dogs are started on IV antibiotics, to try and address the infection rapidly.
Many patients have a concomitant BPH, which should be addressed, in order to treat the prostatitis but also to prevent future episodes.
Most vets recommend neutering, which naturally shrinks the prostate as there is less testosterone in the body. Less commonly, the prostate gland can be shrunk hormonally with medication.
Vets typically recommend providing high quality foods, plenty of fluids, and allowing ample opportunity to rest and recuperate. Carers are often advised to give doses of medication regularly as prescribed, and to keep a close eye for any side effects or new symptoms.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Complete the full course of antibiotics is almost always recommended, unless explicitly told not to by your vet.
Never be tempted to give human medication (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) as an improvised method of pain relief.
How long a dog recovers from depends on several factors, and the type of prostatitis.
Acute prostatitis:With early diagnosis and treatment, dogs can recover within just a week or two.
Chronic prostatitis: These patients take longer to fully heal, and need several weeks of antibiotics. They’ll attend various re-checks, to confirm they’re responding well to therapy.
A dog’s recovery rate and prognosis will be influenced by their age, the extent of their prostatitis, whether or not they have an abscess, and if they have any underlying medical diseases- like diabetes or cancer.
For most, the prognosis is good, particularly if the dog is neutered. Sadly, prognosis is poor if cancer is identified, and often canine prostate cancer has spread elsewhere by the time of diagnosis.
For many patients, the most effective way to prevent a recurrence is to treat the BPH and neuter the dog surgically.
Any UTIs must be identified and treated promptly, reducing the risk of them spreading. At the first sign of a UTI, submit a urine sample to your vet for analysis.
Good hygiene goes a long way, and this can include keeping fur trimmed short around the penis.
Dogs who are well hydrated and urinate more often are at lower risk of bladder stones and UTIs, which also reduces their risk of prostate disease.
And, of course, it is very important for dogs to be seen by their veterinarian for routine check ups. For older uncastrated male, this usually includes a rectal exam and prostate gland palpation.
More natural and holistic remedies play some role in therapy, but cannot replace treatment such as antibiotics and pain relief.
Omega-3 supplements may reduce inflammation, while high quality prebiotics and probiotics may bolster the immune system. Your vet might also recommend a urinary supplement containing ingredients like D-mannose and cranberry extract, to support the bladder lining and prevent bacterial adherence.
Your vet may advise that obesity has to be addressed, as it is well documented that over-weight dogs are at greater risk of hormone imbalance and chronic inflammation.
TYPICAL AGE/STATUS | PAIN/FEVER |
DISCHARGE/ HEMATURIA | IMAGING CLUES | TREATMENT CORNERSTONE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PROSTATITIS | Older intact males | Often painful | Trouble passing urine and bloody urine | Fluid may be seen in the enlarged prostate | Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and often castration |
BPH | Older, intact males | Usually non-painful | Skinny poos and bloody urine | Prostate feels enlarged and is symmetrical | Castration |
PROSTATIC ABSCESS | Adult intact males | Severe pain | Urine can be cloudy and smelly and may have trouble passing it | Pocket of pus can be seen | Drainage (surgical or percutaneous), antibiotics, and neutering |
PROSTATE CANCER | Older males | It may not cause pain initially, but it can worsen as the cancer progresses. | Bloody urine is common | Prostate is usually not symmetrical and there may be pockets or mineralisation | Surgery and chemotherapy |
Can neutered dogs get prostatitis?
It is possible for this to happen, but it is much more of an issue in intact males.
How long does prostatitis treatment take?
Treatment is usually needed for several weeks, or even a couple of months.
Which antibiotics are used for canine prostatitis?
Fluoroquinolones and Trimethoprim Sulfas are common choices. However, therapy should be based on culture and your dog's specific requirements. The vet will prescribe antibiotics that penetrate the prostate gland adequately.
Is prostatitis contagious to people or other pets?
No, this is not a contagious infection, and it cannot be spread from one species to another.
Will my dog need surgery?
Surgery may be recommended for dogs with prostatic abscesses or prostate cancer. For those with prostatitis alone, it will not be needed.
Does prostatitis cause infertility?
It is possible for prostatitis to affect fertility negatively, especially with chronic inflammation. Sperm can be checked by the vet, to assess fertility after treatment.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Most prostatitis cases are not emergencies, but cases where the dog isn't able to urinate, is struggling to cope with pain or has collapsed are considered emergencies and should be addressed by a vet immediately.
The prognosis for prostatitis is good, with most dogs recovering fully in a matter of weeks. If underlying issues are addressed and dogs are neutered, recurrence is much less common.
You can help your dog by strictly adhering to the medical protocols and organising regular re-checks going forward.
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