Your beloved dog is experiencing prostate issues, and your veterinarian has suggested a prostatectomy. Naturally, you have many questions, the most important being: “Can my dog live without his prostate?”
The good news is that even if your dog has prostate disease, cancer, or another prostate illness, he can still live a normal, healthy, and happy life after a prostatectomy.
This surgical procedure can remove parts or the entire prostate gland, often necessary when a tumor has developed.
Signs Your Dog Might Have Prostate Issues:
Male dogs are at risk of developing prostate issues, such as enlargement, cancer, diseases, illnesses, and tumors. Look out for signs like difficulty in bathroom habits, blood or yellowish discharge while urinating or defecating, constipation, urinary pain, abdominal pain, stiff walking, bloody discharge from the penis, systemic depression, and excessive lethargy.
Body Language:
If you suspect prostate-related issues, watch for signs like shaking, cowering, body freezing, sweaty paws, ears back, sleepiness, and other indicators.
Other Signs:
Your dog may also exhibit symptoms such as bloody urine, lack of appetite, lethargy, systemic depression, abdominal pain, fever, and difficulty going to the bathroom.
History of Prostatectomies in Dogs:
Total prostatectomies were not commonly recommended in the past due to high risks of complications. However, modern research supports the benefits and high survival rates of prostate removal surgery, making it a routine procedure.
The Science of a Prostatectomy:
A prostatectomy involves removing part or all of the prostate gland to address significant or life-threatening issues. This surgery is typically necessary when a tumor or abnormal cell growth occurs. After diagnostic tests confirm the need for surgery, the veterinarian will make an incision near the tumor and remove the prostate gland.
Training Your Dog to Recover from a Prostatectomy:
Proper recovery after prostatectomy requires patience, thoughtfulness, and training. Ensure your dog has mastered obedience commands before the surgery, as they will be crucial during recovery to prevent infections. Your dog may need a week or more of hospitalization, so it is essential to train him to feel comfortable in a veterinary office environment beforehand, using positive reinforcement.
“Remember, with proper care and training, your pup can bounce back from a prostatectomy and live a happy, healthy life.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Look out for signs of prostate issues: If your dog is having difficulty going to the bathroom, urinating or defecating blood or yellowish discharge, experiencing constipation or urinary pain, or showing signs of abdominal pain, stiff walking, or excessive lethargy, it could indicate prostate issues. Pay attention to your dog’s body language, such as shaking, cowering, or sweaty paws, as these can also be signs of prostate problems.
2️⃣ Consider a prostatectomy: If your dog is diagnosed with prostate disease, cancer, or other prostate illnesses, a prostatectomy can be a viable option. This surgery can remove parts or the entire prostate gland, particularly if your dog has a tumor. Modern research shows that prostate removal surgery can provide benefits, such as better tumor control, lower costs, and a low risk of infection post-surgery.
3️⃣ Train your dog for recovery: If your dog needs a prostatectomy, proper recovery is crucial. Train your dog in obedience commands like stay, sit, lie down, and settle before the surgery. This will help your dog avoid infections and aid in their recovery process. Additionally, acclimate your dog to the veterinarian’s office environment through positive reinforcement, so they associate it with treats, affection, love, and toys.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Can a dog live a normal, healthy life after undergoing a prostatectomy?
– Yes, dogs can live a normal, healthy life after undergoing a prostatectomy, even if they have prostate disease or cancer.
2. What are the signs that a dog might be having prostate issues?
– Signs of prostate issues in dogs include difficulty going to the bathroom, bloody or discolored urine or discharge, constipation or urinary pain, abdominal pain, stiff walking, systemic depression, and excessive lethargy.
3. What are some body language signs that a dog might be suffering from prostate-related issues?
– Body language signs of prostate-related issues in dogs include shaking, cowering, freezing, sweaty paws, ears back, and sleepiness.
4. Why were total prostatectomies not recommended in the past for dogs with prostate tumors?
– Total prostatectomies were not recommended in the past due to the high risk of morbidity compared to less aggressive medical techniques. However, modern research has shown the benefits and high survival rates of prostate removal surgery for dogs.
5. What is involved in a prostatectomy surgery for dogs?
– A prostatectomy surgery for dogs involves removing either part of the prostate gland or the entire gland to address significant or life-threatening prostate issues such as tumors. The surgery is typically performed by cutting into the dog’s abdomen near the tumor and removing the entire prostate gland.
