What Causes Dog Prostatitis

1 Overview

I. What Is Canine Prostatitis

The prostate is a small gland near the dog’s bladder, a secondary reproductive organ that mainly produces semen. Prostatitis from bacterial infection – the most common pathogen is E. coli. This disease usually occurs in adult male dogs; some unneutered large breeds are more easily infected. Older dogs develop prostate abnormalities as they age, and are also affected by hormone balance. In addition, prostatitis can trigger prostate tumors.

II. Causes of Dog Prostatitis

All dogs are at risk, but those 7-11 years old and unneutered are more at risk. Here are some causes that may lead to dog prostatitis:

1. Age. The older, the greater the risk.

2. Urethral trauma.

3. Parasite, viral, or bacterial infection.

4. Hormone imbalance.

5. Long-term exposure to antibiotics.

6. Damaged immune system.

7. Prostate cyst, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer.

III. Symptoms of Dog Prostatitis

1. The dog feels pain when urinating and defecating, has difficulty, and the urine has pus or mucus, even blood in stool;

2. The dog is constantly drowsy, low-spirited, with reduced appetite, and weight drops sharply;

3. The dog’s coordination worsens, with abdominal pain or swelling, and fever.

IV. Treatment of Dog Prostatitis

Treatment of dog prostatitis differs by cause and condition. If acute prostatitis, the dog may need hospitalization and related IV treatment. If chronic prostatitis with mild symptoms, the doctor prescribes medicine and the dog is cared for at home. If from bacterial infection, antibiotics may be needed, like erythromycin, amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, and clindamycin; amoxicillin is one of the main antibiotics for prostatitis. Dogs need antibacterial medicine for 3-4 weeks to ease the condition. If an abscess forms in the prostate, surgery is needed.