Our mini-series continues this week by discussing a topic concerning ‘man’s best friend’ – the dog. A common ailment afflicting the older members of the canine generation is a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). To better understand this condition we need to be familiar with the role and function of the prostate itself. The term prostate is typically associated with the male species as part of the reproductive system, and is important in the production of semen, a liquid-like substance that comprises sperm. However, it is interesting to note that 2002 saw the naming of the ‘female prostate’ (previously known as the paraurethral glands) by the Federative International Committee on Anatomical Terminology (International Federation of Associations of Anatomists). In this article, however, we discuss a condition affecting males only.

In dogs that suffer from BPH, the prostate becomes enlarged due to a proliferation of prostate cells and the animal may present with urinary complications and constipation. This condition is prevalent in the aging canine population and in males that have not been castrated (where the testicles have been removed). Interestingly, BPH is a rather tricky condition to detect and diagnose as the symptoms may not be easy to spot in the first instance (VetSci and Johnston et al. American Reproduction Science 60-61, pp 405-415, 2000). This is where veterinary ultrasound can come in very useful.

Canine BPH can be identified through the use of ultrasound imaging. Ultrasonography may reveal a number of symptoms that will eventually aid in the diagnosis of this condition. These symptoms include, yet are not limited to, a visual increase in the size of the prostate and the presence of small cysts on the prostatic parenchyma may also be detected. These symptoms are similar to those seen in a dog suffering from prostatitis (an inflammatory condition of the prostate gland), and as such caution should be taken when interpreting results. Veterinary ultrasound can also be used to search for any testicular problems under these conditions to rule out any potential involvement of the testicles. Further methods to diagnose the presence of BPH may also be employed that work in concert with ultrasound but are not discussed here.

Following diagnosis of BPH, treatment may be sought - luckily, this condition is treatable. I am going to discuss two potential treatments here, although further treatments are also available. Castration is one method by which BPH can be treated, due to the fact that testosterone is responsible for the increase in the prostate seen with this condition. An additional treatment therefore may be ‘finasteride treatment’ which prevents testosterone conversion which will in turn prevent an increase in the size of the prostate. It should be noted that this treatment is required for the duration of the dog’s life to prevent a recurrence of BPH. (VetSci and Johnston et al. American Reproduction Science 60-61, pp 405-415, 2000).

The final and last instalment in the mini-series will conclude by discussing the link between chickens, cancer and of course, ultrasound – you won’t want to miss it!