What are the common symptoms of prostate disease?

Common signs include difficulty urinating or increased frequency, cloudy or blood-tinged urine, abdominal discomfort, repeated vomiting, fever, and reduced energy. If your dog cannot urinate at all or develops a persistent high fever, seek emergency care immediately.

What tests will the vet perform?

The vet will typically perform blood and urine tests, an abdominal ultrasound, and X-rays. Bacterial culture or tissue sampling may also be carried out if needed to pinpoint the cause.

What can I observe and prepare at home?

Log the frequency of vomiting and urination, take temperature readings, film any episodes of straining or abdominal discomfort, and prepare a fresh urine sample along with a list of current medications — all of this helps the vet evaluate the situation quickly.

In what situations should I take my dog to the emergency clinic right away?

If your dog is completely unable to urinate, is vomiting heavily and continuously, or has a high fever with extreme lethargy, seek emergency care immediately — these signs may indicate a condition requiring urgent treatment.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Prostate Disease in Intact Male Dogs: Urinary Symptoms, Ultrasound & Treatment [2025]

Prostatic conditions in intact male dogs that affect urinary and reproductive function

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, ACVIM, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Complete inability to urinate or repeated straining with no urine produced
•Persistent, frequent vomiting preventing any fluid intake
•High fever combined with extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Frequent urination attempts with noticeably small urine output each time
•Blood in urine or abnormal urine color while the pet is still alert
•Obvious discomfort or tenderness when the abdomen is pressed

01What symptoms indicate something is wrong?

Prostate disease commonly presents with urinary changes, gastrointestinal signs, or a general decline in energy — and can become an emergency in some cases.

Repeated or persistent vomiting, possibly accompanied by reduced appetite
Fever with a noticeable drop in energy or lethargy
Visible dehydration, dry mouth, and poor skin turgor
Obvious discomfort or guarding when the abdomen is touched or pressed
Difficulty defecating or persistent constipation with clear pain during bowel movements
Straining to urinate, increased frequency, reduced urine output, or blood in the urine
If a urinary obstruction is suspected or symptoms continue to worsen, seek specialist evaluation promptly

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Complete inability to urinate — seek emergency care immediately
⚠️ Persistent high fever with marked lethargy or weakness
⚠️ Repeated vomiting that prevents drinking or leads to dehydration

02How to assess abnormal signs at home: Key observations and when to go to the emergency clinic

Observing and recording key details at home helps your vet quickly gauge severity and decide on next steps.

Record the frequency, timing, and appearance of vomiting (note any blood or food content)
Take and log daily temperature readings, noting the time and any changes
Monitor appetite, water intake, and changes in general energy or activity level
Log the frequency and volume of urination and defecation, and whether there is blood or signs of pain
Use your phone to film gait, the urination process, or any signs of abdominal discomfort
If symptoms worsen or your dog is unable to urinate, arrange a vet visit as soon as possible

03How will the vet make a diagnosis? Common examinations explained

After a physical examination, the vet will use imaging and laboratory tests to identify the cause and assess severity.

Blood chemistry and CBC

to assess for infection, organ function, and overall condition

Urinalysis (including urine sediment)

to check for infection, haematuria, or crystals

Abdominal X-ray

to confirm bladder position, bladder stones, or changes in adjacent organs

Abdominal ultrasound

to directly evaluate prostate size, structure, and bladder status

Tissue sampling or bacterial culture if needed, to confirm the diagnosis and guide antibiotic selection

04What treatment and care follow a diagnosis? Medications, dietary adjustments, and home care

Treatment depends on the underlying cause; home care and regular follow-up are important for a good outcome.

If infection is the cause, antibiotics are typically prescribed and clinical response and test results are monitored
Give medication on schedule as directed and attend follow-up appointments to assess effectiveness and side effects
Maintaining hydration and adjusting diet are key components of supportive home care
Schedule follow-up ultrasound or imaging to monitor prostate size and recovery
If symptoms do not improve or worsen, your vet may recommend referral or further intervention

05What should you prepare before the vet visit? Key steps to help your vet identify the cause quickly

Write a detailed record of when symptoms started, how they have changed, and any possible triggers

Note recent changes in appetite, water intake, and energy level, with timestamps

Bring a fresh urine sample or defecation log for on-site testing

Bring a list of current medications and supplements, along with any past test reports

Bring any videos you have recorded (urination, gait, or abdominal reactions) to aid assessment

When booking the appointment, let the clinic know that ultrasound or bacterial culture may be needed

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.