A review of the pathophysiology of prostatic diseases

Abstract

Prostatic disease is common in the middle-aged and older dog. While the majority of clinical cases present as intact male dogs, it must be remembered that neutered animals can also be affected. The clinical signs vary from faecal tenesmus or a preputial discharge through to severe systemic illness, pyrexia and shock. This highlights the need for careful abdominal palpation and rectal examination as part of the clinical assessment in any unwell male dog with non-specific signs of disease. Disorders of the prostate gland are rare in cats.