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Prostatitis (Inflammation of the Prostate Gland) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland in dogs, often caused by bacterial infections, which can lead to a variety of symptoms that affect the well-being and health of the affected dog.

The most important facts at a glance

Prostatitis in dogs is an inflammation of the prostate gland, often caused by a bacterial infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. The prostate, a gland near the bladder, plays an important role in spermA sperm is a male germ cell or sex cell that contributes to the fertilization of the female egg. Sperm contain genetic material that, when combined with the egg, leads to the development of a new organism. production. In older, unneutered dogs, the prostate can grow, increasing the risk of inflammation. Common bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. that cause prostatitis include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. TraumaA trauma refers to a physical injury or damage caused by external force. Traumas can range from simple cuts to severe multiple injuries., urine refluxReflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and inflammatory conditions. In dogs and cats, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can lead to symptoms such as drooling, difficulty swallowing, and discomfort., autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells or tissues as if they were foreign substances. Examples in dogs and cats include autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus., or tumors can also be causes.

Symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite, difficulty with bowel movements and urination, Fever, and AbdominalThe term "abdominal" refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain. Blood in the urine or purulentPurulent refers to pus or the production of pus, which may indicate a bacterial infection. Purulent inflammatory conditions are often painful and may have significant swelling and redness. discharge is also possible. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made by clinical examination, blood and urine tests, and ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. if necessary.

Treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. In the case of underlying prostatic hyperplasiaHyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, leading to enlargement. This can be a normal reaction or a sign of a disease., castration can help reduce the risk of recurrentRecurrent refers to a disease that repeatedly returns or worsens after a temporary remission or improvement. inflammation. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is usually good with timely treatment, especially for bacterial infections.

PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. includes castration, regular veterinary check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet and regular exercise contribute to prostate health. A veterinarian should be consulted if any unusual symptoms occur to enable rapid diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment.

Causes

The prostate is a small gland located near the bladder that plays an important role in the production of seminal fluid. In dogs that are not neutered, the prostate can grow with age, which is known as benignBenign refers to a non-invasive, non-serious condition that is not life-threatening. In medicine, the term is often used to describe benign tumors that do not metastasize, meaning they do not form secondary tumors. prostatic hyperplasiaHyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, leading to enlargement. This can be a normal reaction or a sign of a disease. (BPH). This enlargement can promote the development of prostatitis.

One of the most common causes of prostatitis in dogs is a bacterial infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. BacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. can enter the gland via the urinary tract, the blood, or through direct contact with the prostate. Commonly involved bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. In some cases, infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. with mycoplasma or fungi can also lead to inflammation.

In addition to infections, prostatitis can also be caused by traumaA trauma refers to a physical injury or damage caused by external force. Traumas can range from simple cuts to severe multiple injuries., such as injuries to the pelvic area or urine refluxReflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and inflammatory conditions. In dogs and cats, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can lead to symptoms such as drooling, difficulty swallowing, and discomfort.. In rare cases, autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells or tissues as if they were foreign substances. Examples in dogs and cats include autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus. or tumors can also play a role.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of prostatitis can vary and often depend on the severity of the inflammation. Acute prostatitis often leads to sudden Fever, Pain in the pelvic area, difficulty urinating, and occasionally blood in the urine. Affected dogs may also appear lethargic and lose their appetite.

In chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. prostatitis, the symptoms may be less pronounced but persist long-term. These include recurrentRecurrent refers to a disease that repeatedly returns or worsens after a temporary remission or improvement. Urinary tract infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. lower AbdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain, and possibly an abnormal gait. Some dogs also show changes in behavior, such as Irritability or withdrawal.

Diagnosis

The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of prostatitis usually begins with a thorough clinical examination, during which the veterinarian performs a rectal examinationA rectal examination is a clinical examination method in which a doctor or veterinarian inserts a finger or instrument into the anus to check the rectum and surrounding structures for abnormalities. to palpate the prostate. Attention is paid to the size, shape, and consistency of the prostate.

In addition, blood and urine tests are performed to identify signs of inflammation and possible infectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. agents. A urine culture can help isolate specific bacteria that cause the inflammation. In some cases, an ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. of the prostate may also be recommended to detect structural changes or Abscesses.

Therapy

The treatment of prostatitis depends on the cause. In the case of bacterial infections, antibiotics are usually used, which must be administered over a longer period of time to ensure complete healing. The choice of antibiotic depends on the type of bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. identified in the culture.

In cases where prostatitis is caused by another underlying condition such as BPH, castration of the dog may be considered to reduce the risk of recurrence. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. may also be prescribed to relieve symptoms.

In severe cases, especially if Abscesses or other complications occur, surgery may be required to relieve the prostate or remove affected tissue.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with prostatitis depends on the cause and severity of the condition. With timely diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and appropriate treatment, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is usually good, especially if the inflammation is due to a treatable bacterial infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. prostatitis can be more difficult to treat and may require longer-term medical care. Dogs suffering from an underlying condition such as BPH may benefit from castration, which significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.

Prevention

One of the most effective measures to prevent prostatitis in dogs is castration, especially in older male dogs who are more prone to prostate enlargement. By reducing hormonal influences, the risk of inflammation and other prostate problems can be reduced.

Regular veterinary examinations are also important to detect early signs of prostate enlargement or inflammation. A veterinarian should be consulted immediately if symptoms such as increased urination, blood in the urine, or Pain occur to enable early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment.

A balanced diet and a healthy body weight can also help reduce the risk of prostate problems. Regular exercise and avoiding Overweight are important factors that contribute to the dog’s general health.