The “Blue November” campaign is generally associated with raising awareness about male health, especially in preventing and diagnosing prostate cancer early. However, this concept has also been applied to pets and emphasizes the importance of animal health, specifically in males.
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“The campaign this month aims to alert and inform pet owners that pets can also exhibit prostate changes. It also provides guidance on necessary care and the routine of regular exams for the well-being of pets,” explains veterinarian Stefanie Poblete, product coordinator for Syntec do Brasil’s Pet Line.
The most common prostate alteration in dogs is benign prostatic hyperplasia, known as BPH. This condition is directly associated with aging, more common in elderly, uncastrated males, is generally benign in nature, and most cases are resolved with pet castration.
In addition to BPH, according to the Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine, prostate cancer can also occur, more frequently in dogs aged six to seven years. The problem affects approximately 4% of dogs over seven years old, and if the pet is not neutered, this percentage doubles. Cats can also be affected by this disease.
According to the Syntec veterinarian, “only the veterinarian can identify the disease in some cases, both in the physical examination and in complementary exams such as ultrasound. In addition, prostate changes usually manifest along with other signs, such as difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and even difficulty defecating.”
The veterinarian reminds us that “often the signs can be silent, so it’s important to keep the routine of consultations and preventive exams for animals up to date – contributing to early diagnosis. This way, the well-being of the animal is preserved, and treatments can be more effective, ensuring quality of life.
