Canine Prostate Awareness Month to take place in November
Most people will be aware of ‘Movember’, a month of fundraising for male prostate disease and testicular cancer. Virbac hopes to remind people that men are not the only ones suffering from prostate disorders.
More than 80 per cent of entire males dogs over the age of five suffer from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), according to the company.
To raise awareness of this fact, Virbac is running an Canine Prostate Awareness Month (CPAM) throughout November. It is hoped that the campaign will highlight the prevalence of the disease, and encourage practices and owners to test for it.
The company is providing veterinary 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.
Senior Project Manager Chris Geddes says “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”.
Practices diagnosing a dog with BPH during CPAM have been asked to contact Virbac, who are planning to publish a series of case studies.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
