 |
 |
|||
Prostate Cancer in DogsProstate cancer in dogs is rather uncommon, amounting to about 0.2 to 0.6 percent of all canine cancers.
The dog prostate gland lies within the pelvis just behind the bladder and directly below the rectum. Its function is to supply the fluid that transports sperm.
For male dogs that are intact, various kinds of prostate problems (e.g. prostate enlargement,
prostate infections) can occur, especially when they become older. While castration can largely decrease the risk of developing such prostate problems as enlargement and
infections in dogs, castration - even at a young age - does not stop dogs from developing canine prostate cancer. Canine prostate cancer appears with similar frequency in
neutered and intact male dogs.
There are various types of canine prostate cancer; the most common type is carcinoma (such as prostatic adenocarcinoma). This type of cancer is highly aggressive and invasive. It can easily and rapidly spread to lymph nodes, bones, and lungs. In many cases, by the time the cancer is diagnosed, it is usually too advanced for successful treatment and the life expectancy is only about one month upon diagnosis.
The cause of canine prostate cancer is unknown.
Signs of Prostate Cancer in DogsSigns of canine prostate cancer resemble those of prostate enlargement (although for prostate enlargement, the intensity of these signs is much lower), which include:
Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer in Dogs
In humans, markers useful for identifying prostate tissue such as prostate specific antigens (PSA) are used to diagnose prostate cancer. Dogs, however, do not produce PSA.
Instead, dogs produce something known as canine prostate specific esterase (CPSE). This makes it difficult to diagnose canine prostate cancer. In particular, it is
difficult to determine whether the cancer originated in the prostate or the cancer occurred elsewhere in the body and metastasized to the prostate.
Initial diagnosis of prostate cancer in dogs is done by using x-rays and abdominal ultrasound, and testing urine samples. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy of the rectal
wall is necessary for a conclusive diagnosis.
Top
Treatment for Prostate Cancer in DogsUnfortunately, options of canine prostate cancer treatment are limited. Castration usually has no effect on dogs that have prostate cancer. Surgical removal of the prostate is not recommended in dogs because complications such as urinary incontinence can arise. Very often, only chemotherapy is recommended to try to shrink the prostate. However, even this treatment is far from effective and usually fails to give the dog patient any relief of discomfort. It also does not significantly extend the patient's life. Canine prostate cancer is a fatal disease with extremely poor prognosis. TopNatural Remedies for Dog Prostate CancerIf your dog unfortunately has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may consider using homeopathic remedies to relieve some of the clinical signs shown by your dog. In addition, although natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathic remedies, and natural supplements may not be able to destroy tumors, they are nonetheless effective in strengthening the immune system, making the body stronger to fight against diseases such as cancer. Some dog parents have reported success in using the herbal formula "Essiac" to treat canine cancer, while others swear by such remedies as the "Budwig Diet". For more information on these and other natural remedies for canine cancer, please visit our pages on Herbs for Cancer in Dogs and Dog Cancer Diet.Related Topics Dog Cancer Symptoms of Dog Cancer Conventional Cancer Treatment for Dog Patients Herbs for Cancer in Dogs Dog Cancer Diet References S. Messonnier, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (New World Library, 2006). A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999). TOP OF Prostate Cancer in Dogs |
| |||
|
Then why not use the button below, to add us to your favorite bookmarking service? |
||||
| Homepage | Join Our Community | Funny Dog Pictures |
Dog Ecards | | Links | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Template Design | It is not intended to replace the advice and treatment of a veterinarian. |
||||
|
| ||||
