Most intact male dogs will develop enlarged prostate glands. This condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is influenced by androgen hormones such as testosterone. BPH has few symptoms in the earlier stages of development. However, it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, such as reproductive tract issues, constipation, and prostate infections.
Researchers have outlined noninvasive methods to evaluate canine BPH in the early, subclinical, stages. Early detection allows early treatment and avoids the progression of the disease.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia in dogs (and humans)
The prostate is a gland composed mostly of epithelial cells. It produces some of the fluids found in semen and is located near the urinary bladder of male dogs. The urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, passes through the prostate shortly after leaving the bladder.
Interestingly, dogs are among the few animals besides humans and other primates that develop BPH. BPH in dogs consists of prostate enlargement growing outward, away from the urethra. Enlargement of the prostate is due to hyperplasia (an increase in epithelial cell numbers) and hypertrophy (an increase in epithelial cell size). In men, BPH growth occurs in a different, nodular fashion and can be both outward and inward toward the urethra. This compression of the urethra may be a reason that men manifest BPH symptoms more often related to urination. Dogs generally have fewer symptoms but are more likely to develop constipation due to the prostate blocking the rectum.
Canine BPH facts
There are several basic findings related to BPH in dogs.
- BPH is influenced by the balance of androgen hormones (mainly DHT or 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone), which are produced in the testes. BPH is more common in intact dogs that have not been castrated and have natural hormones.
- Prostate enlargement usually develops gradually and is commonly associated with aging. Studies have reported that 80% of dogs over 6 years have BPH. Yet, even 16% of dogs as young as 2 years old have evidence of BPH.
- Larger dogs may be more susceptible to developing BPH. Dobermans, German Shepherds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Bernese Mountain Dogs, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Labrador Retrievers appear to be predisposed to BPH. Scottish Terriers also have a high incidence.
- Many dogs have no symptoms of BPH, especially at early onset. Once the size of the prostate gland is larger, dogs can experience constipation, bloody urine, painful urination, changes in fertility status, excessive licking of the penis, or lameness of the hind legs. Canine BPH can result in fluid-filled cysts that make the prostate susceptible to bacterial infection coming from the urethra.
How to check your dog for BPH
If you have an intact dog, a prostate exam is part of routine veterinary care. Checking for BPH is especially important as the dog ages because symptoms are not always evident. Diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam, patient history, and digital rectal exam. However, prostate enlargement is hard to diagnose even with rectal examination. Previous research reported that prostate size alone did not correlate with symptoms reported. Several other exam procedures are available to determine if a dog has BPH, and a recent publication presented new diagnostic tools to assist veterinarians.
Recent research conducted under the direction of veterinarian Tomas Laurusevičius from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences sought to simplify the non-invasive diagnosis of BPH in older intact dogs. The study included an evaluation of records from 65 dogs (with and without BPH) that received three diagnostic procedures: rectal exam, ultrasound, and analysis of an enzyme secreted by the prostate called canine prostatic-specific esterase (CPSE).
The authors established a rectal-scoring system and new diagnostic thresholds for BPH. Prostate size also varied by age and weight. Their study found several evaluation methods that more accurately identified BPH in dogs. They reported that dogs with subclinical BPH (or BPH without symptoms) had a combination of elevated values of canine prostatic-specific esterase, increased prostate volume, and higher values of prostate blood flow. A more comprehensive prostate evaluation outlined by the authors may help improve health and breeding ability in dogs.
A non-invasive method to treat canine BPH
Treatment of BPH in dogs often involves castration or medication. However, a non-invasive and simple method involves the use of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy. In a study supported by the Parsemus Foundation, treatment with a handheld PEMF device for 3 weeks resulted in a 57% reduction in prostate size.
For more information on PEMF for canine BPH, see this webpage.
