A Prostatic Abscess:
Is evidenced by a pus-filled sac on the prostate gland that may lead to prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate. This is often the result of a long-standing infection that has gone undetected.
Prostatitis:
Is an inflammation of the prostate gland. This disease occurs more commonly in male dogs that have not been neutered. Older dogs are at greater risk of contacting this disease than younger dogs.
Sign and Symptoms
Clinical signs of prostatitis vary with the severity of the infection and whether the disease is acute or chronic. The following symptoms could indicate the presence of this condition:
- Cloudy or bloody discharge from penis
- Straining to urinate or defecate
- Blood in the urine
- Abdominal discomfort
- Stiff gait
- Weakness/lethargy
- Fever
- Anorexia/vomiting
- Weight loss
- Chronic intermittent urinary tract infections
- Infertility in a breeding male
Causes
All male dogs are at risk for developing prostatitis; there are no breeds that are unaffected by this disease. However, dogs between the ages of 7 to 11 years are at higher risk. Some of the risk factors for this condition are:
- Presence of functional testicles (hormonal)
- Bacteria spreading to the prostate from other parts of the body
- Bacteria moving up from the urinary passage to the prostate
- Bacteria spreading from a wound site to the prostate
- Enlarged prostate
- Faulty immune system
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your dog, including standard laboratory tests like a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, an electrolyte panel, and a urinalysis. This is the only way to determine whether the organs are functioning properly, and to find factors such as bacterial infections, microscopic evidence of blood in the urine, or increased white blood cell counts, indicative of the body fighting an infection.
There may be blood in the urine. In dogs with prostatitis, they may bleed even when not urinating. Sometimes an affected dog will not urinate at all, or will show pain while urinating. Your veterinarian may also perform an x-ray, ultrasound and a rectal exam in order to diagnose this disease. The patient’s clinical history will also be taken in to consideration.
Case
Name: Oliver
Sex: Male Intact
Breed: Mastiff Cross
Age: 13 years
History:
On March 6/13 “Oliver” was presented with blood in urine, anorexia, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Diagnosis:
Blood and urine samples were sent to lab and an abdominal x-ray study was performed. “Oliver”remained in hospital to undergo diagnostics and hospitalization. Blood test and rectal exam results were discussed with owner, an ultrasound study was advised. Ultrasound study revealed a prostatic abscess that was drained and infused with Baytril (enrofloxcin). Sample of the discharge was sent to the laboratory for culture & sensitivity.
Treatment:
Hospitalization, I.V. fluids, antibiotics, and pain management medications. Neuter was advised once pet is stable. “Oliver” underwent 5 days of hospitalization and treatments before being sent home on oral antibiotics.
Follow Up:
Day 3: I.V. catheter removed, doing well. Pet has been constipated for past 3 days, pet sent home with laxatives.
Culture & sensitivity results were discussed with owner and appropriate antibiotics were prescribed.
Day 9: Neuter drop off, routine neuter performed.
Day 14: Called for update after neuter surgery. “Oliver” is doing great, no concerns.
