Section: Overview
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), or cystic hyperplasia, is an age related change of the prostate where the prostate increases in size. This increase in size, or hyperplasia, is a non-cancerous change that generally does not cause clinical problems. BPH is the most common disease of the prostate, and occurs in almost all intact male dogs as they age.
The increase in size is caused by hormonal changes in the ratio of androgens, like testosterone, and estrogens. Most dogs act normal, but if there is a very large amount of prostatic hyperplasia, a dog might become symptomatic.
What to Watch For
Straining to defecate
Intermittent or persistent bloody urine
Intermittent bloody or clear yellow discharge from the penis
Even if a dog is showing symptoms, he usually feels fine.
Diagnosis
History and physical exam including digital rectal exam
Urinalysis
Culture and sensitivity
Cytologic (microscopic) evaluation of seminal or prostatic fluid
Abdominal radiographs (x-rays)
Clotting profile
Abdominal ultrasound with or without prostatic aspiration – inserting a needle and syringe into the tissue and obtaining a small sample for cytologic analysis – or biopsy
Treatment
No treatment is needed if the dog is asymptomatic
Neutering
Estrogen therapy
Ketoconazole (Nizoral®)
Home Care and Prevention
If your pet is asymptomatic, that is he has no clinical signs, observe for symptoms associated with an enlarging prostate. If he's neutered, any clinical signs previously present should improve significantly within a few weeks.
If the treatment involves neutering, the incision should be monitored for any swelling or discharge.
If medical management is attempted, careful monitoring of clinical signs and blood tests will be needed.
The only prevention for BPH is having your dog neutered.
