My senior dog's enlarged prostate is painful. Could it be cancer?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My vet thinks my 10 yr old male pug has prostate cancer because he doesn't have fever, strains when defeating, and has diarrhea. The vet said the prostate was enlarged greatly, and sore to the touch. He thinks if it was benign it wouldn't be sore to the touch. The dog has no blood in urine or stool. What do you feel like the chances are that it's really cancer? The dog acted fine three days ago, two nights ago he started dribbling diarrhea everywhere, and acting as if he was constipated.

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Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS 102

Veterinarian

Published on August 16th, 2017

Unfortunately prostate problems are very common in intact male dogs, and there is a chance he could have prostate cancer. Without seeing Cooper in person, I can't say for sure what his chances are that it's cancer, but it certainly would be a differential for me in in a senior, intact dog. Dogs are also very stoic about pain and illness, and a lot of times they are quite ill before showing any outward signs. That means they can be acting fine one day, and then be quite ill the next day. Keep in mind as well that just because you don't see visible blood in his urine, it doesn't mean blood isn't present in microscopic amounts. The next steps would be a urine analysis, abdominal x-rays and/or ultrasound to visualize the prostate, and a prostate biopsy. These tests will help confirm if Cooper has cancer, and I would speak to your vet about doing them. I hope this helps!

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My senior dog's enlarged prostate is painful. Could it be cancer?

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