Project Summary: Enlarged Prostate in Dogs
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy provides an effective, noninvasive treatment for enlarged prostate in older male dogs. The procedure is safe, applied for only a few minutes each day at home, and avoids complications and anesthesia related to surgery.
- Enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is common in older dogs.
- BPH causes bloody urine and can even obstruct the colon, resulting in constipation.
- Current treatment is surgical castration or medicaton.
- A non-surgical treatment method for enlarged prostate would improve welfare, reduce surgical complications, and provide a treatment option for dogs that cannot undergo surgery or anesthesia. This is especially important for the older dogs that often suffer from enlarged prostate.
- Parsemus Foundation supported research on the use of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy for dogs suffering from enlarged prostate.
- PEMF offers a simple, noninvasive treatment that has been shown to decrease the prostate gland in dogs by more than 50%!
- This procedure could replace surgery as a treatment option for most older dogs suffering from BPH.
- We encourage veterinary clinics to invest in PEMF devices, which could be used in the clinic or in the client’s home.
Project Topics
Highly effective noninvasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia
The prostate gland produces seminal fluid. Older male dogs commonly have enlarged prostate or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). There is little difference from humans in anatomy, physiology and symptoms of this disease (see our page on enlarged prostate in men). It is more common in intact dogs, but there is no clear reason why it affects some male dogs and not others. The most common clinical sign of BPH in dogs is bloody fluid dripping from the penis not associated with urination. In severe cases it can obstruct the colon and result in constipation. Treatment in dogs usually involves castration or medication.
Simple and effective treatment for enlarged prostate in dogs
The Parsemus Foundation sponsored a study by Dr. Raffaella Leoci (Italy) to investigate a non-invasive treatment in dogs with BPH. The method used in the study to treat dogs was pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF). PEMF is a noninvasive method that generates both an electrical and magnetic field (but no heat) and is used in orthopedics, neurology, and urology. It has been reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect and increases healing and blood circulation. The idea of using this method for BPH is to improve prostate blood flow and reduce the size of the prostate gland.
The study included 20 dogs with BPH. They received treatment with PEMF for 5 minutes, twice a day for three weeks. The device was simply held over the skin where the prostate is located. The study used a Magcell® Vetri device from Physiomed Elektromedizin AG, Germany.
An average 57% reduction in the size of the prostate resulted from PEMF treatment in only three weeks, a remarkable improvement. There was no interference with semen quality, testosterone levels or libido. Doppler parameters showed a reduction of peripheral blood resistances and a progressive reduction in resistance of the blood flow in the dorsal branch of the prostatic artery.
Take Action on Enlarged Prostate in Dogs
The positive effects of PEMF on BPH in dogs, with no side effects, supports its use as a noninvasive, simple and effective treatment, and may be the best option if your dog cannot tolerate sedation and surgery. If your dog has been diagnosed with BPH by your veterinarian, ask if PEMF is a treatment option. Some veterinarians may not be familiar with the procedure – so feel free to share the scientific publication and this website information. The PEMF device used is portable and available for purchase (see Additional Resources). Veterinarians may offer to rent the portable device to clients for in-home use.
Veterinarians Offering Alternative Methods of Contraception
Clients
Looking for a veterinarian willing to perform procedures beyond surgical spay or neuter? Browse our directory of qualified veterinary professionals.
Veterinarians
Do you offer alternative methods of contraception like ovary-sparing spay and vasectomy? Join our referral directory so new clients can find you.
Additional Resources
- Watch this animated video to learn more.
- Leoci R, Aiudi G, Silvestre F, Lissner E, Lacalandra GM (2014). Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on prostate volume and vascularity in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A pilot study in a canine model. The Prostate. (Free text) Press release on EurekAlert
- PEMF device used in study: Magcell Vetri by Physiomed Elektromedizin in Germany.
- UK distributor: Physio Equipment
- US distributor: Kismet Holdings Group
Email: info@magcellvetri.com
www.magcellvetri.com
Tel: 423-313-6157
- Last updated on December 9, 2024
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What People Are Saying
I am so thankful for this site. I have referred people to you for years. … I’ve told people about the option of hormone-sparing surgeries and also managing their intact animals with integrity and compassion. I look at your site and tell them about veterinarians near them who can do these surgeries.
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The societal practice in the U.S. of dog neutering contrasts with the general attitudes in many European countries, where neutering is commonly avoided and not generally promoted by animal health authorities.
Torres de la Riva, et al.
Based upon the review of the literature, it becomes clear that canine gonads are not merely reproductive organs but critical to endocrine, musculoskeletal, behavior, and antineoplastic health.
Zwida & Kutzler
Recent scientific studies demonstrate that spaying/neutering, particularly before a dog is fully mature, may result in detrimental long-term health impacts. In light of this information, AKC encourages breeders, owners and veterinarians to consult on the appropriateness and timing of spaying or neutering an individual dog.
AKC Position Statement on Spaying and Neutering
About the only positive effect on behavior that seems to result from spaying and neutering is the roughly 68 percent decrease in urine marking.
Stanley Coren Ph.D., F.R.S.C
Thought leaders are beginning to accept that spay and neuter have both positive and negative health consequences that vary by age, gender and breed.
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Noninvasive methods to evaluate canine BPH
Most intact male dogs will develop enlarged prostate glands. This condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is influenced by androgen hormones such as testosterone. BPH has few symptoms in the earlier stages of development. However, it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, such as reproductive tract issues, constipation, and prostate infections. Researchers have outlined noninvasive methods to evaluate canine BPH in the early, subclinical, stages. Early detection allows early treatment and avoids the progression of the disease.
Spreading the message about the importance of hormones to dogs
The Parsemus Foundation is an educational resource for the public and veterinarians about the importance of hormones for pets. Over the years, we have received increasing inquiries about hormone-sparing sterilization from pet parents, and seen more veterinarians offering vasectomy or hysterectomy. But the shift in practice has been slow — until now. With several influential veterinarians spreading the message about the importance of hormones to dogs, this topic has finally reached the mainstream.
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in cats similar to Alzheimer’s disease
House cats live an average of 14 years, and it’s not uncommon for a cat to live more than 20 years. Older cats often develop cognitive decline resulting in dementia. It’s called “cognitive dysfunction syndrome” or CDS. This condition is similar in many ways to Alzheimer’s disease, including amyloid beta and tau protein accumulation. Some believe that environmental stressors from life as a house cat contribute to cognitive decline.
Noninvasive methods to evaluate canine BPH
Most intact male dogs will develop enlarged prostate glands. This condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is influenced by androgen hormones such as testosterone. BPH has few symptoms in the earlier stages of development. However, it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, such as reproductive tract issues, constipation, and prostate infections. Researchers have outlined noninvasive methods to evaluate canine BPH in the early, subclinical, stages. Early detection allows early treatment and avoids the progression of the disease.
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