Enlarged Prostate in Dogs

The function of prostate gland in dogs and its diseases are similar to that in men. When the canine reaches 2 years of age, the prostate gland attains its maximum size and it is about 1 - 2 inches in diameter in a dog weighing 40 pounds. This gland is directly not involved in producing sperm. However, it plays a crucial role in reproduction. The prostate gland produces a fluid which constitutes a major portion of the ejaculated sperm. This fluid adds to the volume of the sperm and this helps the musculature of the urethra, cervix, and uterus to push the fluid towards the ovaries of the female. The prostatic fluid also nourishes and protects the sperm cells, which in turn increase chances of pregnancy. The most common factor which are attributed as prostate enlargement causes in canines are benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate; appears to be part of the natural aging process). This condition is normally caused by hormones. Other causes of enlarged prostate in dogs is considered to be prostatis, which is a bacterial infection of the prostate gland.

Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate in Dogs
Although the symptoms of enlarged prostate in dogs vary in their nature depending upon the causes, discomforts during urinating is common in all cases. Painful defecation is also a prominent symptom that can be see in dogs. Dogs suffering from enlarged prostate can be seen walking in an abnormal manner. They keep their rear legs stiff and knees and hock, straight. They do this in order to prevent any build up of pressure on the swollen and painful prostate gland. Dogs can also be seen taking short steps.

Discharges from the penis which may include blood and pus, weight loss, fever, very thin feces and straining to urinate are also some common symptoms of enlarged prostate in dogs. In some cases, although rare, peritonitis (inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the abdominal cavity in mammals and covers most of the visceramay) can also be associated with the symptoms. More on dog illnesses.

Enlarged Prostate In Neutered Dogs
The basic definition of neutering in animals is to remove the organs which are responsible for reproduction. This practice is considered to be best when performed on the animals, before they are 6 months of age. This process prevents the prostate gland to develop as there is no production of testosterone. A matured male dog, when neutered, will have the gland shrink to about 1/4th of its previous size. Thus, if the prostate does not increase in size, which it normally does, there will be minimal possibility of enlarged prostate in neutered dogs. Neutering also has other benefits, apart from decreasing the risk of prostatic enlargement. A neutered dog will have the least risks of suffering from perineal hernias or penile tumours. The dog will have least interest for desire to mark territory and most of the times he will be happy and calm. However, there might be a possibility that a neutered dog may become lazy and also prone to dog obesity. However, regular exercises and proper amount of feeding helps to eliminate this problem.

When it comes to the treatment of enlarged prostate in dogs, it is quite a pricey affair! This is because, the treatment, in most cases is a long-term one and expensive too. It also depends on the cause of enlargement of the prostate gland. Generally, the treatment involves continuous oral medication, injections, urinary catheterizations, enemas and in extreme cases, a surgery. Neutering the dogs, is by far, the best preventive measure to avoid the incidence of enlarged prostate in dogs and almost 90% of all prostatic diseases can be kept at bay by this method.