Clinical approach to prostatic diseases in the dog

Abstract

Contents In small animal practice, prostatic diseases are increasingly encountered. All dogs may experience prostatic disease, but particular care should be addressed to breeding dogs, in which prostatic affection may lead to decrease in semen quality and fertility. The most common prostatic disease is the benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) followed by prostatitis, prostatic neoplasia and prostate squamous metaplasia. These diseases do not have pathognomonic symptoms, therefore, making a correct diagnosis may not be easy. An accurate clinical examination and a correct diagnostic protocol are essential in order to begin the most appropriate treatment, and also to do a good prophylaxis where it is possible. BPH therapy is usually recommended when mild‐severe signs are present or if symptoms disturb the patient. New therapeutic approaches, both medical and surgical, allow to maintain fertility in most animals with prostatic disorders. Prostate cancer is relatively infrequent. Elective therapy is the surgical one, but it is considered palliative and can result in important post‐operative complications. The aim of this paper is to lay down the most appropriate diagnostic process describing the aetiologies of prostatic disease, their symptoms, the right investigative tools and therapy.

Reproductive and endocrinological effects of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and finasteride therapy in dogs

“…Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is considered the most common prostatic disease in dogs 1 , 2 . Although it affects both elderly men and uncastrated dogs above 5 years old 3 , BPH can also be diagnosed in young breeding males 4 .…”

“…The etiology of BPH is still not completely elucidated. It is known that the main trigger factor is an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen synthesis due to senescence (lower concentrations of androgen and higher concentrations of estrogen) 7 , 8 . The lack of endocrine equilibrium leads to a quantitative increase in prostate androgen receptors, upregulating testosterone action 5 , 9 , which is the pivotal reason for a markedly conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzymatic action of 5α-reductase 7 , 9 .…”

“…It is known that the main trigger factor is an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen synthesis due to senescence (lower concentrations of androgen and higher concentrations of estrogen) 7 , 8 . The lack of endocrine equilibrium leads to a quantitative increase in prostate androgen receptors, upregulating testosterone action 5 , 9 , which is the pivotal reason for a markedly conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzymatic action of 5α-reductase 7 , 9 . Increased DHT concentrations provoke several prostatic alterations, such as hypertrophy and hyperplasia of glandular cells, angiogenesis 9 and even local oxidative stress in men 10 and dogs 11 .…”

Does finasteride treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia influence sperm DNA integrity in dogs?

“…Besides the existence of potent antiandrogen drugs (e.g., osaterone acetate), their availability is restricted to certain countries, limiting a world-wide prescription [11][12][13]. In dogs, orchiectomy is the permanent way to remove the androgenic stimulation of BPH [14], whereas finasteride, a synthetic inhibitor of the 5α-reductase enzyme, is the most employed therapy for BPH in men [15]. Hence, finasteride can be used as an alternative for surgical treatment (orchiectomy) in breeding dogs with high genetic value, since previous studies have described little effect of finasteride on sperm quality (motility and morphology) and testosterone concentrations [16,17].…”

Nachweis der BRAF-Mutation bei kaninen Prostataerkrankungen

“…Plattenepithelmetaplasie und Atrophie der Prostata, benigne Prostatahyperplasie (BPH), Prostatitis und Prostatakarzinom (PCa) kommen sowohl beim Menschen als auch beim Hund vor [9] [19] [21] [27] [29]. Ultrasonografisch und makroskopisch ist die Unterscheidung eines Tumors von einer Prostatitis oft schwierig, da in beiden Fällen Gewebseinschmelzungen auftreten können (▶Abb.…”