Prostate Disease (Enlarged Prostate and Prostatitis)

What is it?

The prostate gland sits in the pelvis behind the bladder. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlargement caused by male hormones, is found in almost all unneutered dogs over six years old. Other prostate problems include bacterial infection (prostatitis), abscesses, cysts, and cancer, which are less common and can also occur in neutered dogs.

What signs should I watch for?

Many dogs show no signs. When signs occur, they include straining to pass stool, blood in the urine, discharge from the prepuce, repeated urinary tract infections, and pain. Fever, lethargy, poor appetite, stiffness, and belly pain suggest infection or a tumor; severe prostatic abscesses can cause dehydration and shock.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Your veterinarian may use a rectal exam, X-rays, ultrasound, and blood, urine, and semen tests. For benign enlargement, neutering is the preferred treatment and the prostate usually shrinks within a few weeks; medication may help breeding dogs. Prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, sometimes for a long time, and neutering may be advised afterward. Large cysts may need surgery.

Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?

• Neutering is the main way to manage benign enlargement.
• Prostate cancer is uncommon but serious, and neutering does not protect against it.