Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an increase in the size of the prostate gland. It is the most common prostatic disorder and is found in most intact male dogs >6 yr old as a result of androgenic stimulation or altered androgen/estrogen ratio.
Prostate is the accessory organ in male dogs that completely surrounds the urethra at the neck of the bladder. It produces fluid that is added to the ejaculate when a male dog mates. This fluid provides nutrients and assists in the sperm’s movement.
The prostate gland increases in size and weight with age. During this increase in size, it gradually expands backward and may eventually obstruct the rectum, causing constipation and straining while defecating. The feces may appear flat or ribbonlike. Defecation is difficult. Fecal impactions are common.
Rarely, the prostate pushes forward and presses on the urethra, causing straining during urination. Blood in the urine can be a sign of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
This condition is hormone dependent and affects the glands and connective tissues of the prostate, causing swelling of the prostrate gland, which then presses against the rectum, making the canal smaller and defecation painful for the dog.
BPH is due to an age-associated increase in estrogen in the prostate. The ratio between estrogen and androgen is believed to contribute to BPH development in older dogs, as both estrogens and androgens are required for significant prostatic enlargement to occur.
Most dogs don't show clinical signs of this condition but in chronic cases, the signs become apparent as BPH can render the prostate more susceptible to infection from the urinary tract and subsequent development of bacterial prostatitis.
Common symptoms associated with this condition include
Prostatic disease – general
Asymptomatic
Tenesmus (constipation)
Bloody urethral discharge
Reduction in urination or defecation
Stranguria (straining to void)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Hematuria
Hematospermia
Prostatitis – acute
Systemic illness (vomiting, lethargy, inappetence, weight loss)
Purulent urethral discharge
Pyuria
Hematuria
Infertility
Stiff legged gait
Prostatitis – chronic
Recurrent/chronic urinary tract infection
Hematuria
Stiff gait
Infertility
Prostatic cyst
See type description for BPH (above)
If associated with infection see prostatitis
Prostatic neoplasia
Emaciation
Dyschezia (defective reflex for defecation-painful defecation)
Difficulty with moving rear limbs
Lumbosacral pain (back pain between the ribs and pelvis)
