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Aparato reproductor

Prostatitis (prostate infection)

Infection of the prostate in the male dog. It can be acute (of sudden onset and very distressing) or chronic. It mainly affects uncastrated males.

Severe🐕 Dogs

This may be a veterinary emergency

URGENT in the acute form (fever, intense pain when urinating/defecating). On a non-urgent basis, consider castration if your dog has prostate problems.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Difficulty or pain when urinating and defecating
  • • Fever, listlessness and loss of appetite (acute form)
  • • Discharge or drops of blood from the penis
  • • Stiff gait, abdominal pain
  • • More common in uncastrated males

Causes

Bacterial infection of the prostate, favoured by the prostatic enlargement seen in entire males. The chronic form may cause few signs.

Diagnosis

Physical examination (rectal palpation), ultrasound, urinalysis and analysis of the prostatic discharge with culture.

Treatment

Antibiotics over a prolonged period, guided by culture. Castration is recommended as part of the treatment and to prevent recurrences.

Prevention

Castration greatly reduces the risk. Prostate check-ups in older entire males.

When should you see the vet?

URGENT in the acute form (fever, intense pain when urinating/defecating). On a non-urgent basis, consider castration if your dog has prostate problems.

Consult a vet24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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