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Canine Prostate Awareness Month
by on October 31st, 2014
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Canine Prostate Awareness Month
Canine Prostate Awareness Month (CPAM) is an initiative to highlight the prevalence of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in male dogs, and to encourage owners to check for and seek treatment for it. CPAM takes place during November – or ‘Movember’ as it has been called by those fundraising for human male prostate disease and testicular cancer.
More than 80% of entire male dogs over the age of five suffer from BPH, a painful condition which is often hidden.
CPAM aims to remind us that men are not the only ones to suffer from prostate disorders. It’s a well-supported initiative and, running it at a time when the media spotlight is already on the dangers of prostate cancer in men, means we can spread the message that owners should also be monitoring dogs for signs of prostate disease. The problem with BPH is that the majority of dogs suffer in silence. It is a painful condition that too often goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage, where the owner notices blood in the urine or painful urination.
Clinical signs of Prostate disease include:
- Straining to pass faeces (due to size of prostate)
- Straining to pass urine/ no passage of urine
- Blood present in urine
- Stiff hind limb movement.
If you are concerned at all about your dog showing any of the above signs please contact the surgery to make an appointment.
Diagnosis and monitoring of BPH is carried out via blood tests and rectal palpation. Simple medical treatment can be administered, the effects of which can be seen within a week and last for six months.
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