Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) in Dogs

Common canine prostatic disorders include benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), prostatitis, prostatic cysts and prostatic adenocarcinoma.

BPH is a spontaneous and age-related disorder of intact male dogs, which occurs in more than 80% male dogs over 5 years of age, and which is associated with clinical signs of sanguineous prostatic fluid, constipation and difficulty urinating. With age, the gland may begin to grow. The growth may eventually cause problems with urination, because the gland pinches off the urethra as it increases its size. In intact male dogs, it is characterized by a bloody urethral discharge, hematuria, or hemospermia; diagnosis is based on prostatic enlargement and confirmed by a transabdominal biopsy. Prostatitis is more common in older dogs with BPH.

The enlargement of the prostate gland stretches and distorts the urethra and so obstructs the urine flow. Symptoms include:

• A weak or interrupted urinary stream.
• Difficulty starting the urine flow.
• Increased need to urinate in the night is usually a very early symptom.
• Involuntary discharge of urine.
• Straining related to defecation and/or urination
• Dribbling of urine after urination.

Clinical studies have shown that finasteride can be used to reduce prostatic size in dogs with BPH without adversely affecting semen quality or serum testosterone concentration. BPH often occurs concurrently with prostatic infection, abscessation, cysts and neoplasm in the intact dog, and treatment with finasteride may be beneficial in treatment of all of these conditions except neoplasms.

Benign prostatic hypertrophy is both prevented and treated by castration. The prostate gland will usually be normal or smaller than normal in size following this surgical procedure.

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REF FILE #DH-128-67