Page 16 - Martin Downs Bulletin - October '24

Page 16, Martin Downs

all aBout Kids

Community Foundation Lisa Rhodes, the Education Foundation’s executive
director, expressed her gratitude to the Community
Awards Grant To Education Foundation for its important support. “This grant will
Foundation Of Martin County enable us to successfully grow our operations and expand
our programming,” said Rhodes, “Our goal of increasing
student reading proficiency is one of many benefits that
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin this grant supports.”
Counties has awarded a $49,000 grant to the Education For more information on the Education Foundation and
Foundation of Martin County. This funding will support the its programs, visit www.educationfoundationmc.org.
Education Foundation’s efforts to continue strengthening Photo by Doreen Poreba
organizational operations and programs by investing in staff
expansion and retention. This will benefit Martin County
public schools, teachers and students.
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin
tip of Counties’ grant to the Education Foundation of Martin
County enabled the nonprofit organization to expand its staff.
From left, Candice Tedesco and Jinara Reyes recently joined
Pamela Amsbaugh and Lisa Rhodes on the foundation’s staff.
tHe tail

Prostatic Disease In Dogs

The prostate is a small gland located near the urinary
bladder of male dogs and produces some of the fluids
found in semen necessary during breeding. It surrounds
the urethra which carries urine from the bladder to the
outside world and lays beneath the colon. This is why
prostatic disease will often result in problems with
urination and/or defecation.
Enlargement of the prostate gland is common with most
prostatic diseases. This enlargement puts pressure on the
urethra and urination becomes difficult and uncomfortable
and you may begin to see blood in the urine. An affected
dog will spend a long time trying to urinate and the urine
may only come out in thin streams or multiple spurts. If
prostatic disease becomes more advanced, the colon will
also be compressed, causing difficulty in passing feces.
If your male dog strains to urinate or defecate, have him
examined by your veterinarian.
There are many diseases that affect the prostate and
range from the benign enlargement, called hyperplasia,
caused by excess testosterone to potentially life-
threatening prostate cancer. The prostate can also
form cysts or abscesses and can become infected by
bacteria traveling up the urethra. All of these diseases
can present exactly the same way and we may need an
array of tests to determine the cause. The first step is
to determine if the gland is enlarged by palpating the
prostate through the abdominal wall or through the
rectal wall. Additional tests may include radiographs,
ultrasound, urinalysis, urine culture, cytology and/or
biopsy of the prostate.
Once we have a diagnosis, we can aim the treatment at
the specific cause of the prostatic enlargement. Treatment
usually includes neutering your male dog to remove the
source of testosterone and estrogen. If infection is present,
antibiotic therapy may be needed for weeks to months
because it is difficult for antibiotics to penetrate into the
prostate. Some cysts and abscesses may require major
abdominal surgery. The prognosis for prostatic cancer is
usually poor, but your veterinarian will discuss treatments
to keep your dog comfortable for as long as possible. If
your dog is showing signs of prostatic disease, bring him to
your veterinarian for a complete physical exam, including
palpation of his prostate, and to discuss further diagnostics
and potential treatment options. The best way to prevent
prostate problems is to neuter your dog early in life.
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service,
Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.