Treatment options and outcomes for prostate cancer in dogs

Abstract

Introduction: Complete prostatectomy with healing and normal urinary function is reported for some prostatic diseases. However incontinence rates of up to 100% for neoplasia‐affected dogs have dampened surgeons’ enthusiasm for performing prostatectomies. Hypothesizing that incontinence following prostatectomy for prostatic cancer is related to extensive dissection associated with advanced invasion, it is proposed that there exists a subset of dogs with prostatic cancer that require minimal dissection and have the potential for quality survival for pet and owner.Materials and Methods: Dogs that received prostatectomy for neoplasia were qualitatively reviewed for commonalities associated with an outcome viewed as successful by owner and veterinarian.Results: Early diagnosis (prostatomegaly‐castrated population, high index of suspicion, ultrasound guided cytology) with referral center staging (ultrasound, contrast CT) enabled selection of appropriate surgery (urinary drainage, stent, prostatic enucleation, extrapelvic urethral anastomosis, cystoprostatourethrectomy with ureterocolonic anastomosis) for several dogs.Conclusions: A massive demographic shift toward castrated dogs and widespread availability of abdominal u/s can distinguish dogs that may benefit from advanced staging technology and treatment for locally confined prostatic neoplasia.Application: Step one is local control. Though based on a dribble of cases, it is clear that some dogs with prostatic cancer can be cured and live high quality lives. We wanted to leak these results so that oncologists will encourage early aggressive investigation and referral for prostatomegaly in castrated dogs.