My senior dog is straining to poop and crying in pain. What can I do?

Oh no, poor Uno! It is very concerning that he is screaming when he is pooping and cries when you touch his back. I see that he is unneutered, and his constipation could be due to prostate problems. These prostate problems include benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. I would have him seen by a vet today for a physical exam, rectal exam, blood tests, and urinalysis. Should he have a prostate problem causing his constipation, neutering him is typically part of the recommended treatment.

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!

I'm assuming the vet said his prostate was enlarged? He is on the correct food but you may have to add in some Miralax. Here is a link to an article about using this product in dogs. The dosing is also on there but a 40# dog I would give 1/2 teaspoon twice a day mixed in with a small amount of canned food. You will have to adjust dosing based on how his stools look. I strongly recommend you call your vet and ask before using this. Use the non-flavored powder. Be sure to let him drink as much water as he wants. ( https://www.petplace.com/article/cats/drug-library/polyethylene-glycol-3350-miralax-for-dogs-and-cats/ ) ( walmart.com/ip/Equate-Polyethylene-Glycol-3350-Powder-for-Solution-Osmotic-Laxative-8-3-oz/12444636 )

I'm sorry Pooh Bear has cancer. It sounds like your vet is doing a good job of trying to treat as best as possible, and I'm assuming the type of cancer diagnosed was transitional cell carcinoma since piroxicam has been prescribed. If that is the case, I have seen these dogs get many more months of good quality life, as long as clinical signs are controlled. If the type of cancer hasn't been determined and the diagnosis has been made on just the fact that he has an enlarged prostate, then I would caution that dogs can have adenocarcinoma of the prostate, another type of cancer which metastasizes readily and is quite aggressive, and ultimately difficult to treat. It typically does not respond to piroxicam. Straining to defecate and pain on defecation with prostatic cancers is usually due to the colon becoming trapped between the enlarged prostate and the enlarged sublumbar lymph nodes. If the cancer is a TCC, it should respond to piroxicam, and the prostate should shrink a bit, which will hopefully improve the symptoms. If the cancer is another type of cancer, unfortunately it's unlikely that the current treatment plan is going to help. Stool softeners such as lactulose may help to improve the consistency of the stool, and make it easier to pass. Your vet might also consider adding on gabapentin as an additional pain reliever to the current regimen, as that may add some additional relief.

Thank you for submitting your question Haily. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She could have a sore anal gland due to an infection or impaction. If this is not the case, she could be constipated or even have arthritis in her hips or lower back making it painful to defecate. Her veterinarian will carefully examine her and determine the source of he problem. From there, treatment can be started to make her more comfortable. I hope this information helps!

This is probably a prostate disease (cancer or infection), this is common in unneautered older dogs, the vet will check the prostate, if it is enlarged he will need to have an ultrasound or CT done to find out if it is a cancer or an infection, he will need to be neutered ASAP.

Your dog could have hip or back problems that make it painful to posture to defecate and would also make it hurt when her tail is manipulated. It could also be infected or inflamed anal glands. This condition is very painful and makes it difficult to defecate or even move. Without treatment, the gland may rupture, causing a open wound on your pet's rear that will require wound care and antibiotics as well as some pain relief. I recommend getting your pet seen by your vet. They will examine your pet, possibly do some x-rays and labwork and be able to give you a better idea of what is going on and how best to treat it.