Proactive approach to maintain prostate health in felines
Prostate health in cats is a topic that may not receive as much attention as other feline health concerns, but it is still an important aspect of overall cat wellness. As a responsible pet parent, here’s all that you need to know.
The prostate is an accessory sex gland that is chiefly present in male animals whose pivotal function is to secrete prostatic fluid that helps to nourish and transport the sperms. In case of cats, the prostate gland is located surrounding the urethra and covers only the side and top part of urethra. Several pathological conditions occur in male cats like Prostatatomegaly/ bilateral hyperplasia of prostate, prostatitis (Inflammation of Prostate) and prostate cancer. Male cats occasionally suffer from this condition which is mainly seen in case of older ages.
As such no breed presidisposition has been observed in this disease. Non-neutered and old aged cats are generally more prone to prostate issues.
Advo‘cat’ing prostate health and wellness
There is no specific reason for development of prostate diseases. According to researches the male androgenic hormone testosterone is chiefly responsible for ‘prostatomegaly’. In some cases, when estrogen level increases in male cats it also promotes the prostate gland enlargement. Certain bacterial infections can also lead to inflammation and swelling of the prostate. In rare cases prostate cancer may develop from underlying prostate enlargement issues.
Beware! Lookout for these symptoms
As this gland is located internally and cannot be seen from the naked eye, pet parents need to be extra cautious of their pet has any of the symptoms which might indicate prostate issues.
The symptoms include –
• Difficulty and pain during urination
• Blood in urine
• Straining in defecation
• Awkward or pained walking with arched back
• Painful abdomen
• Sudden weight loss and lack of appetite
If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to take your pet to the vet at the earliest. An early diagnosis can really help in the treatment.
Timely diagnosis points towards the path of recovery
The prostatomegaly can be diagnosed in various ways. It can be found by your veterinarian on a per- rectal examination. Radiographs (X-rays) or an ultrasound examination is also an effective way. Microscopic examination of the cells from urine and Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) done by professional pathologists can also help in diagnosis.
Complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry are required to correlate with other pathological conditions in the system. If any bacterial origin is suspected, prostatic fluid can be cultured to identify the nature of the bacteria.
Unlock the secrets of health with right treatment
Once the current diagnosis is made, your vet would decide the course of the treatment. Neutering is the best option to relief the cats from such conditions. It is observed that a neutered cat never develops prostatomegaly in his lifetime. Your vet will also prescribe certain medications like anti-inflammatory drugs or certain antibiotics and lifestyle changes for your pet.
With a little alteration in their lifestyle and lots of care from you, your pet will be back on the track of wellness in just a few days. Follow the guidelines that your vet recommends and complete the course of medication and treatment.
(Dr. Arkaprabha Gupta – B.V.Sc & A.H., M.V.Sc (Veterinary Pathology), Dr. Debotri Mondal – B.V.Sc & A.H.,M.V.Sc (Veterinary Pathology) – Vetassure Pet Clinic, Saltlake & Newtown, Kolkata)