Prostatic Hypertrophy or, in simple terms, enlarged prostate glands is a condition caused by the male or female hormones in the dog's body and even though it is not as painful for the dog as prostatitis it is still something which should be looked into with care as it may be a cause for concern. Read on through this article to find out more about this condition.
The symptoms for dog Prostatic Hypertrophy include the following:
1. The dog may walk differently. Look out for an arched back and stiff legs and the dog taking shorter strides.
2. The dog may have difficulty urinating
3. The dog may not have any fever and unlike prostatitis it will have normal temperature.
A dog's prostate glands swelling up without a reason is what causes Prostatitis hypertrophy. The swelling is due to sex hormones which affect the prostate glands.
Two different types of sex hormones are responsible for the swelling and disturbance. The first is testosterone. Testosterone is a male sex hormone which is produced within the testicles. When this hormone over stimulates the prostate gland and causes it to swell it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
The second is oestrogen, a female hormone which is also found in male dogs but in very small amounts. Too much of this will cause the prostate to swell and the structure of the prostate gland cells will possibly change as well through a process called squamous metaplasia.
If the cause of this condition is traced back to a female hormone then this may be as a result of a sertoli cell tumour and thus should be checked appropriately.
Initally, the vet may look for possible symptoms such as arched back and stuff back legs in order to make sure that the dog has this condition. This will be followed by the vet taking the temperature of the dog in order to make sure that it has no fever. A normal temperature will rule out prostatitis and thus leave us with Prostatic Hypertrophy.
The vet may want to feel for the swollen prostate gland through the anus using his fingers in order to make sure that the dog feels no pain in the area and rule out prostatitis even further.
If your dog is showing signs of too much male testosterone the vet may suggest using injections to lower this and to bring it down to the appropriate level. If this fails then the only option left is to get the dog castrated which will remove the area where the hormone is produced.
Castration is also the solution if the problem results from the female hormone. This will help remove the tumor in the affected testicle. There are cases here the hormone causing the problem may be hard to find and thus further tests such as blood tests, ultrasound and even biopsy may be needed to confirm.
Related Articles
How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth
By: Brigitte Smith | 18/11/2005 | Pets
To keep your dog's teeth clean, a number of steps are required. First, of course, is healthy food. This will reduce, and even eliminate, the need to brush your dog's teeth.
But if you do need to brush your dog's teeth, you'll need a good dog toothb
Puppies Protecting Food and Worms
By: Kerry Plowright | 29/08/2006 | Pets
Worried about children too curious about a dog's food and end up paying the consequences in pain or getting worms?
6 Possible Reasons Why Your Dog Is Being Aggressive
By: Jessica Baker | 15/12/2006 | Pets
Sometimes the reason for your dog's aggression is not what you think!
Simple Steps To Look After Your Dogs Teeth
By: Colin Philips | 27/02/2007 | Pets
Many people do not realize the importance of caring for their dog's teeth. As dogs age, the need for dental care increases. The best way to ensure proper dental health for your dog is to start while they are very young. Many dogs do not like their mouths touched. It...
What Everybody Ought to Know -- About Dog Training Los Angeles
By: Michael Silvester | 15/03/2007 | Pets
Finding Dog Training Los Angeles is easier than you think...check out my tips and tricks about Dog Training Los Angeles. Without pulling your hair out!
Knowing The Different Nutritional Needs For Different Dog Breeds
By: Kelly Marshall | 27/03/2007 | Pets
With so many different breeds which come in different shapes and sizes, how can you tell whether one food is suitable for the next? The fact is that all breeds of dog have different nutritional needs and it is your job as an owner to do your research and see...
Dog Toys - Stimulating a Restless Companion
By: Matthew Hick | 30/04/2007 | Pets
Dogs can get bored and restless easily. This is usually when they cause problems. They need to be stimulated through play.
Pet Health Care Expenses Could Cost you your Pet
By: Derek Wood | 13/08/2007 | Pets
With the ever rising costs of et health care, many owners sometimes forget or bypass needed pet car, and it could cost them their pet. Do not risk your pet's health simply because you do not think he needs it. Take a closer look at the way your dog lives before making the choices that affect their health.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
My 13 year old dog was recently diagnosed with ...
By: Michele | 22-07-2008
My 13 year old dog was recently diagnosed with throat cancer. He has a definite interest in eating, but it has to be soft and tempting to his palate. Does anyone have any good "dog food" recipes?
My female miniture dachshund has had puppies but ...
By: minniedabbers | 19-07-2008
my female miniture dachshund has had puppies but about a year ago and all off them are gone but shes lactating why could this be?
My kittin has an small cut under her neck that has ...
By: Crystal | 17-07-2008
My kittin has an small cut under her neck that has become infected...what to do
Lasix for dogs
By: LOIS | 16-07-2008
Hello,my 68 lb dog has started to have breathing problems and a cough,She is 14 years old and has been in good health.My vet wasnt in nad the one that was gave her lasix,12.5 mgs @ 2every 12 hours.She seems kind of groggy,is this too much for her or is it ok?
Priority Code
By: Deb | 13-07-2008
what is the priority code on the catalog for "Only Natural Pet Store"
Dog Fur Color Change
By: Star1XOXO | 06-07-2008
My dog is a Maltese/Bichon mix...has champaign/beige colored fur. In the last month, on his lower back, his fur has turned very dark (almost like he went under the car and got grease on him). His skin is fine...just the fur. It was about 1 1/2" X1".... but now is about 3" X 1 1/2". What could cause this? Is this something that is normal?? He is 5 years old now.... Very smart, spoiled, jelous and thinks he's a "person". Thank you for any information you can give me.
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Pets Articles
Snakes And Their Charming Egyptian Owners
By: Chris Jensen | 26/07/2008
I never thought I would write anything about snakes since they are the one thing I cannot stand to deal with, but snake charming caught my attention and made me want to know if their charm is fact or fiction.
Boykin Spaniel - Dog Breeds - Info Every Owner Ought To Know
By: John Williams | 26/07/2008
Boykin Spaniel training, care, and general charecteristics report.
Violence in Cat
By: Robert | 25/07/2008
Cats are mostly said to be peaceful pets. Many people believe that if a cat is provided with food, drink, and a sleeping place then it will stay tame and affectionate to its owners while exhibiting the typical feline liberty.
Dog Aggression Towards Family Members
By: DENNIS HAMPTON | 25/07/2008
There are two reasons why a dog is aggressive towards members of his own human family. Read on to see what they are.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Gas
By: Amy Nutt | 25/07/2008
Canine flatulence is not a fun thing to experience. Dogs tend to have very smelly gas and, apart from the nasal assault, you`ll notice that your pet is rather uncomfortable as well.
Brittany - Dog Breeds - Tips Every Owner Should Know
By: John Williams | 25/07/2008
Brittany training, care and charecteristics advice and key information
How to Brush My Dogs Teeth
By: Pat Burns | 25/07/2008
A devoted dog owner does everything humanly possible to ensure their dogs hygiene. However, one area that bewilders dog owners is how to brush my dogs teeth?
Why Brush A Dog's Teeth?
Dogs suffer from a variety of tooth problems, just like their owners:
1. Loose teeth
2. Abscess teeth
3. Cavities
4. Periodontal disease
The...
Be Jellyfish Smart this Summer!
By: Chris Jensen | 25/07/2008
Stings can be a painful nuisance, so it's best to be prepared this summer for possibilities like these.
Home and Family 
| Posted: 28-03-2008 | Comments: 
