Practices Urged To Highlight Importance Of BPH During Canine Prostate Awareness Month

With more than 80% of entire male dogs over the age of five suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) 1, Virbac is again running its initiative to highlight the prevalence of the disease and to encourage practices and owners to test for it. Canine Prostate Awareness Month (CPAM) takes place during November - or ‘Movember’ as it’s called by those fundraising for male prostate disease and testicular cancer. Virbac hopes CPAM will again remind owners that men are not the only ones to suffer from prostate disorders. It is providing participating practices with promotional materials including owner educational and display materials, a template press release for local media, and free branded slip leads to pass on to owners who have had their dog checked. Chris Geddes MRCVS, Senior Product Manager, explains: “CPAM is a well-supported initiative and, running it at a time when the media spotlight is already on the dangers of prostate cancer in men, means we can spread the message that owners should also be monitoring older dogs for signs of prostate disease." Virbac has introduced Odelis™ CPSE, the first ELISA test to screen for, diagnose and monitor BPH. It is available from three UK diagnostic laboratories. According to the company it is a cost-effective, precise and reliable alternative to rectal palpation. It also offers Ypozane, a simple tablet treatment for BPH, which takes effect within a week and lasts for six months. Chris Geddes continues: “The problem with BPH is that the majority of dogs suffer in silence. It is a painful condition that goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage, where the owner notices blood in the urine or painful urination.” We’re providing practices with all the materials they need to promote the campaign in their locality and hope that those getting involved will find it effective in terms of bringing clients into the practice for advice on BPH. We’ve also organised coverage in national dog magazines to drive clients to practices.” Practices diagnosing a dog with BPH during CPAM are asked to contact Virbac with details as it plans to collate a series of case studies from the initiative. Love2Shop vouchers to the value of £50 will be provided for the five most pertinent case studies submitted by the end of 2013. For further information on CPAM, please email [email protected]; contact your Virbac Territory Manager or call the company direct on 01359 243243. Founded by a veterinary surgeon, Virbac is dedicated to supporting the veterinary profession through the development of innovative products and services, which help animals to lead longer, healthier lives.  One of the largest independent veterinary pharmaceutical companies in the world, its wide product portfolio includes many market-leading and award-winning products for large and small animals. Virbac aims to works in close partnership with its customers, providing the advice and support they need to run successful, profitable businesses.  Many of the services it offers are available through its innovative practice support portal www.my-virbac.co.uk O’Shea J.D. Studies on the canine prostate gland: Factors influencing its size and weight. J. Comp. Pathol. 1962 72: 321-331.

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