What Is Prostatitis?
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, a gland that sits just behind the bladder in male dogs and wraps around the urethra. It is usually caused by bacteria traveling up from the urinary tract. It can come on suddenly (acute prostatitis) or smolder for months (chronic prostatitis).
Who gets it
Almost always intact, non-neutered male dogs, usually middle-aged or older. The prostate keeps growing under testosterone, which makes infection more likely. It is rare in neutered dogs and in cats.
Signs to Watch For
- Straining to urinate or defecate; see dog constipation
- Blood or discharge from the penis, or bloody urine
- Fever, lethargy and poor appetite in acute cases
- A stiff, hunched walk or pain in the belly or back end
- Repeated urinary infections; see dog UTI symptoms
Diagnosis
Your vet will feel the prostate during a rectal exam, where it may be enlarged or painful. A urine test and culture, blood work and an ultrasound of the prostate help confirm infection and check for abscesses. Some dogs need a sample of prostatic fluid for testing.
Treatment
- Antibiotics that can reach the prostate, often for 4 to 6 weeks
- Pain relief and fluids for very sick dogs
- Neutering, which shrinks the prostate and lowers the chance of the infection returning; see dog neutering
- Drainage or surgery for a prostatic abscess, which can be an emergency
An enlarged prostate can also contribute to straining that leads to perineal hernia in older intact males.
Follow-up matters
Chronic prostatitis can hide and come back. Your vet may recheck urine cultures after antibiotics finish to make sure the infection is fully gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can neutered dogs get prostatitis?
It is uncommon. Neutering shrinks the prostate, but neutered dogs can still develop prostate tumors, so any prostate signs need a vet check.
Is prostatitis contagious to other dogs?
Not in the usual sense. However, canine brucellosis can also affect the reproductive tract and is contagious, so vets may test for it; see canine brucellosis.
How long does treatment take?
Acute cases often improve within days, but antibiotics usually continue for several weeks. Chronic cases can take longer.
If your male dog strains, has bloody urine or discharge, see a vet soon. Find a veterinary clinic near you for an exam.