Clinical Studies on Prostatic Affections in Dogs and Their Therapeutic Management

Background: As in humans, pathological conditions of the prostate gland are common in the canine species and prostate diseases, including benign hyperplasia, bacterial prostatitis, cysts, abscesses and neoplasia are commonly diagnosed in older sexually intact male dogs. Methods: A total of 70 dogs presented with clinical signs suggestive of prostatic disorders at the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Anand, were included in the study. Cases were categorised based on ultrasonographic findings. Detailed clinical examinations, including per-rectal palpation, were performed. Haematological and biochemical parameters, including haemoglobin, total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, platelet count, SGPT and serum creatinine, were evaluated on day 0 and day 20 post-treatment in 65 affected dogs. Therapeutic management included medical therapy with enrofloxacin, finasteride and tamsulosin, while selected cases required surgical intervention, including castration and abscess drainage. Result: Prostatitis was the most prevalent condition (43/70; 61.43%), followed by benign prostatic hyperplasia (23/60; 32.86%). Labrador Retriever dogs had the highest incidence of prostatic disorders (35/70; 50.00%). The highest occurrence was recorded in dogs aged 3-6 years and 6-9 years. Significant alterations were observed in neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, platelets, SGPT and serum creatinine levels in dogs affected by prostatitis, whereas dogs with BPH exhibited significant variations mainly in haemoglobin concentration, differential leukocyte count, platelets and serum creatinine. Ultrasonography proved valuable in differentiating various prostatic conditions based on echogenicity and structural changes. Dogs with prostatitis responded favourably to medical treatment, whereas several BPH cases required castration for successful management. Surgical drainage was necessary in dogs affected with prostatic abscess.