Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) in Dogs

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.