Prostatic Hyperplasia

Prostatic hyperplasia refers to enlargement of the prostate gland, which sits just behind the bladder in intact male dogs. This enlargement happens as a normal consequence of hormonal influence over time, and tends to develop gradually in most uncastrated males as they age. The prostate tissue responds to testosterone and related hormones by increasing in size, though the gland remains structurally normal. Owners often notice changes in toileting—straining to pass faeces, ribbon-shaped stools, or occasionally blood in the urine or dripping from the prepuce when no urination is happening. Some dogs show no outward signs at all, and the enlargement is identified during examination for another reason. The size of the prostate does not always correspond to the severity of signs; a moderately enlarged gland may cause significant difficulty, while a larger one may cause none. This page explores what an owner may observe, the hormonal and structural changes occurring in the gland, how prostatic hyperplasia is investigated and distinguished from other prostatic conditions, and the range of approaches available for managing it. These approaches vary in how quickly they work, their permanence, and their suitability depending on whether the dog is used for breeding.