The prostate gland is the only accessory sex gland in the male dog and it is a bilobed organ with a median septum on the dorsal surface continuous with the fibrous capsule (Neumann et al., 1980). 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 (Stone et al., 1992). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common medical problem in old male dogs. The prostate gland may enlarge up to 4 times its normal size in a hyperplastic prostate (Barsanti et al., 1989). Prostatic cysts are thin-walled cavity lesions with non-purulent fluid content, localised in the prostatic parenchyma or externally located (Root-Kusritz and Klausner, 2000). Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate caused by infection. Prostatitis can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic. If the infection produces a pocket of liquefied material, it is a prostatic abscess. Prostatic infections usually occur in intact (unneutered) male dogs. For the diagnosis of prostatic affections, such as cultural isolation of organisms, radiography, USG, etc., are indicated. The therapeutic approaches are mostly based on the type of affections. These affections can be treated either medicinally, surgically, or in combination. This paper presents haematological and clinical findings and therapeutic responses in dogs affected by various prostatic affections.

Ethics
 
The owner’s consent was taken for the inclusion of their dogs in the study.
 
Study period and location
 
The study was conducted from April 2024 to March 2025 at Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand.
 
Selection of animal and age-wise, breed-wise relationship
 
A total of 70 dogs with major complaints of urinary incontinence were included in the study. The dogs were subjected to detailed investigations with symptoms of white or sanguineous fluid dripping from the tip of the penis, blood in the urine or semen, stranguria, haematuria and constipation. Breed- and sex-wise incidence of prostatic affections was assessed and the affected dogs were also examined per-rectally for enlargement, symmetry and pain.
 
Ultrasonographic evaluation
 
The ultrasonographic examinations were carried out in dogs affected with prostatic affections. B-mode two-dimensional ultrasonography of the prostate was carried out on a Sonosite Titan ultrasonography machine using a convex probe with a frequency of 2-5 MHz. The prostatic affections were classified based on ultrasonographic findings and treated accordingly.
 
Hemato-biochemical analysis
 
Out of 70 dogs, a 65 dogs were subjected for detailed haemato-biochemical examinations on day ‘0’ and day 20 post-treatment, viz., haemoglobin (g/dl), total leukocyte count (X10³), differential leukocyte count (%), Platelets (10⁵/cmm), Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (U/L), Serum Creatinine (mg/dl), were measured on day (‘0’) and 20 post treatment by collecting 5 mL of whole blood in K3EDTA and serum activator by adopting the standard laboratory technique.
 
Treatment
 
The dogs with prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with Tab. Enrofloxacin @ 5 mg/kg body weight, twice a day and Tab. Finasteride and Tab Tamsulosin 5 mg once daily, respectively, for at least 3 weeks.
 
Statistical analysis
 
Age- and breed-wise data were analysed using the chi-square test with Fisher’s exact test. Whereas, hematobiochemical data from cases with prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia were analysed using a paired t-test in GraphPad Prism (V.8.0). Moreover, hematobiochemical data from cases with prostatic abscess and cystic prostatitis were presented only as descriptive statistics.

During the study period, a total of 12093 dogs were registered for various diseases. Out of these 284 dogs (2.35%) were presented for the affections of the urinary system. A total 70 dogs (24.64%) were presented with symptoms urinary incontinence, straining etc. suspecting of prostatic affections. The cases were categories based on USG findings and presented in Table 1.


 
Relationship of various prostate-affected dogs with age and breed
 
Affection-wise, prostatitis (n=43, 61.43%) was the most common, followed by benign prostatic hyperplasia (n=23, 32.86%). Overall breed-wise prostatic affections were highest in Labrador Retriever (n=35, 50.00%) followed by non-descript (n=9, 12.96%), Pomeranian (n=7, 10.00%); equally in Doberman and  German shepherd (n=4, 5.71%, each), Pug (n=3, 4.28%), Siberian husky (n=2, 2.85%) and equally in Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, Beagle, Grate Dane, Lhasa apso and rottweiler (n=1, 1.43%, each).
       
The age wise prostate affections were equally highest in age group of 3-6 and 6-9 years (n=19, 27.14%, each) followed by 12-15 years (n=12, 17.14%), 9-12 years (n=11, 15.71%), 0-3 years (n=3, 4.28%) and more than 15 years of age (n=3, 4.28%) (Table 1).
       
The hemato-biochemical alterations observed in dogs affected with prostatitis and BPH are presented in Table 2. In cases of prostatitis, haemoglobin concentration and total leukocyte count did not differ significantly between Day 0 and Day 20 (P>0.05). However, neutrophil percentage increased significantly, while lymphocyte percentage also showed a significant rise following treatment (P<0.05). Eosinophil and monocyte counts decreased significantly by Day 20 (P<0.001). Platelet counts decreased significantly during the study period (P<0.001). Biochemical evaluation revealed a marked decline in SGPT activity and serum creatinine concentration, indicating improvement in hepatic and renal stress associated with the disease (P<0.001). In dogs with BPH, significant reductions were observed in haemoglobin concentration, total leukocyte count, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, platelet count and serum creatinine levels (P<0.05). Neutrophil percentage remained statistically unchanged (P>0.05). Overall, the findings suggest substantial haematological and biochemical improvement following therapeutic intervention in both prostatitis and BPH-affected dogs.


 
Ultrasonographic examinations of prostate with various  affections
 
The dogs with various prostatic affections were subjected to ultrasonographic examinations of the prostate. In cases of prostatitis the prostate appears homogenous in echo structure (Fig 1), in some dogs capsule appear irregular while in benign hyperplasia of prostate parenchyma appear uniform hyperechoic with mild to moderate lobular structure loss (Fig 2). In dogs with prostatic abscess capsule appear distended thick hyperechoic wall with hypoechoic dense fluid as a pouch (Fig 3). The cystic prostatitis appears similar to prostatitis with single to multiple anechoic pouch in parenchyma. 






       
The selected dogs were examined per rectum for palpation of the prostate, which revealed palpation of mild to moderate enlargement of the prostate, asymmetry of the prostate and pain on compression. In a few dogs, prostatic massage revealed whitish prostatic discharge in the droppings. 
 
Treatment
 
The cases with prostatitis responded well to these oral medications. The cases with benign prostatic hyperplasia (n=13) did not respond well to these medications. Among these seven dogs treated with castration (Fig 4 and 5). The dogs that were subjected to surgical treatment were advised to fast for 24 hours and to be off water for 12 hours. After site preparation, the dogs were premedicated with Inj. Xylazine HCL@ 0.5-1.0mg/kg IM and Inj. Atropine sulphate @0.04 mg/kg SC. Under general anaesthesia using Inj. Ketamine@ 5 mg/kg and Inj. Midazolam@ 0.2 mg/kg along with Inj. Normal Saline 250 ml, Inj. Ceftriaxone and Tazobactam @ 15 mg/kg intravenous. The dogs with prostatic abscess (n=2) were treated surgically using general anaesthesia following the same protocols for drainage of pus from abscess (Fig 6,7 and 8). The urinary catheter, Rayle’s tube No. 8, was left in both dogs for 5 days; one of the two dogs required a second surgical drainage. The dogs with prostatic abscess post-operatively and cystic prostatitis were also treated with medicinal management similar to benign prostatic hyperplasia. In the prostatic abscess, the outcome was not satisfactory and one dog died after one month of surgery, while in the other dogs, improvement was noticed. In dogs with cystic prostatitis, improvement was observed after two weeks of oral treatment; thus, owners were advised to continue these medications for one month.










       
Adamama-Moraitou et al. (2017) reported 17.0% prostatic disease and Krawiec and Heflin (1992) reported that 2.50% of dogs had prostatic disease. They also observed prostatitis was most common followed by prostatic cyst, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic abscess but in contrast to findings of the present study they also observed highest prostatic disorders in Doberman Pinscher followed by German shepherd, equally Labrador retriever and Beagle; and highest incidence in 10-15 years old dogs followed by 7-10 years, 4-7 years, 2-4 years, more than 15 years and 1-2 year. In Contrary to findings of the present study Polisca et al., (2016) reported benign prostatic hyperplasia followed by prostatitis, abscesses and cysts; higher prostatic affections in German Shepherd, Rottweiler dogs with mean age of 8.6±3.2 years.
       
Mantis (2008) also suggested that benign prostatic hyperplasia is commonly seen in older dogs, usually those older than 4 years. It can appear as a subtle in homogeneity of the prostatic parenchyma without any obvious enlargement. Often, the prostate is enlarged, typically symmetrically, but it can be asymmetrical, smooth or nodular, distorting the gland’s margins. Intraparenchymal cysts of varying sizes and numbers may be present. Das et al., (2017) reported 12.8% (57/445) of dogs were suffering from BPH. Breed-wise, Doberman, German Shepherd and Labrador breeds were more susceptible to BPH, whereas Khaki et al., (2017) also observed BPH in Terrier or mix with Spitz, Shih Tzu and Pekingese and one German Shepherd with the average age of 113.9±14.19 months. Johnston et al., (2000) stated that benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), prostatitis, prostatic cysts and prostatic adenocarcinoma are the most common prostatic affections. BPH is a spontaneous and age-related disorder in more than 80 % intact male dogs over 5 years of age.
       
Cystic Prostatitis was recorded equally in Labrador retriever and Pomeranian (n=1, 50.00% each) and in the 0-3-year and 12-15-yearage groups. Prostatic abscess was also reported in Labrador retrievers (n=2, 100%) and in the 6-9-year and 12-15-yearage groups.
       
Rajkumar and Ansarkamran (2016) observed Benign prostatic hyperplasia with intraprostatic cysts in two dogs, one a mongrel and the other a boxer, aged 9 and 8 years, respectively. Lea et al., (2022) also reported that the median age was 9 years (range 1-16 years); 55% were 9 years or older for prostatitis and prostatic abscess. The affected breeds were Labrador retrievers (n = 13, 16%), Cocker spaniels (n = 4, 5%), German shepherd dogs (n = 4, 5%) and Shih Tzus (n = 4, 5%). Rajan et al., (2011) and Udehiya et al., (2021) reported prostatic abscess in a seven-year-old German shepherd dog, while Chandrasekar et al., (2015) reported it in a Spitz dog. Prostatic abscesses are secondary to chronic prostatitis or infected cysts. Purulent material accumulates within the tissue and small pockets of infection and exudate may coalesce to form large abscesses. Abscesses may be large enough to partially obstruct the pelvic canal or cause dysuria (Parry, 2006).
       
In agreement with the findings of the present study Khaki et al., (2017) also reported no significant differences in haemoglobin level, WBC counts, differential leukocyte count and biochemical parameters between control and BPH affected dogs while Das et al., (2017) measured the hematobiochemical parameters in dogs affected with BPH which revealed a significant decrease in lympho­cytes and significant increase in eosinophil counts in dogs with BPH and nonsignif­icant increase in creatinine. Yogeshpriya et al., (2014) also reported almost similar findings with elevated serum creatinine in a dog with prostatic enlargement. Chandrasekar et al., (2015) observed neutrophilia in a Spitz dog, whereas Udehiya et al., (2021) also reported neutrophilia and leukocytosis; however, other hemato-biochemical parameters were within normal range.
       
Bakalov et al., (2004) reported no change in hemato-biochemical parameters in a Boxer dog affected with a periprostatic cyst. Rajan (2014) estimated the hematobiochemical values but the serum creatinine was 8.5 mg/dl. It was increased to 15.5 mg/dl on the 18^th day in a dog with a prostatic abscess.
       
Rajkumar and Ansarkamran (2016) performed sonography of the prostate in an 11-year-old German Shepard with BPH, which revealed enlarged, inhomogeneous, with an irregular contour and mixed echogenicity and in an 8-year-old Boxer dog with BPH and intraprostatic cysts, which revealed prostatic enlargement, inhomogeneity of the parenchyma and single anechoic areas consistent with prostatic cysts. Baker (2007) suggested that the use of ultrasound in the evaluation of prostatic disorders permits prompt, accurate assessment of the gland for internal cavitations and changes in its normal parenchyma, symmetry, position or shape. The prostatic hyperplasia appears symmetric, with mild enlargement of the gland andmildly increased echogenicity. The shape of the gland may change from bi-lobed to circular in the transverse plane. Prostatic cysts, being fluid-filled, will be easily seen as hypoechoic structures within the prostate. Fluid cavitation is seen with cystic prostatic hyperplasia and is difficult to differentiate from early abscessation associated with prostatitis, in which clinical differentiation is indicated. Ultrasonographically, the gland is enlarged, with a more complex contour and hyperechogenicity and contains hypo echoic, fluid-filled cavities that may be difficult to differentiate from cysts (Parry, 2006). Udehiya et al., (2021) also observed the lesion located at the centre within the prostate parenchyma and increased echogenicity at the periphery of the lesion, while the centre had a septal hypoechoic partition during sonography, which confirms the prostatic abscess. Rajan (2014) performed an ultrasonographic examination of the prostate with an abscess, which revealed multifocal anechoic and hyperechoic areas in the prostatic parenchyma and an irregular prostatic capsule.
       
Johnston et al., (2000) suggested that BPH responds to castration or to finasteride treatment (0.1-0.5 mg/kg per os once daily), as finasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, thereby causing prostatic involution via apoptosis. BPH often occurs concurrently with prostatic infection, abscessation, cysts and neoplasia in the intact dog and finasteride-induced prostatic involution may be beneficial in the treatment of all of these conditions except neoplasia. Freitag et al., (2007) suggested that castration prevents prostatic diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis and cavitary lesions (prostatic abscesses or cysts) in intact dogs, thereby enhancing treatment success and potentially preventing recurrence.

Among all prostatic affections, prostatitis was the most commonly reported; Labrador retrievers were more highly affected than other breeds and the age groups of 3-6 and 6-9 years were more highly affected than other age groups. The mean values of neutrophils (%), lymphocytes (%), eosinophils (%) and monocytes (%), platelets, SGPT and Serum Creatinine vary significantly in prostatitis, while in BPH, haemoglobin concentration, Neutrophils (%), Lymphocytes (%), eosinophils (%) and monocytes (%), platelets and serum creatinine vary significantly. Various affections of the prostate are confirmed by USG and also help to decide the line of treatment. The prostatitis, BPH and cystic prostatitis can be managed with medicinal medications with Tab. Enrofloxacin @ 5 mg/kg twice a day and Tab. Finasteride and Tamsulosin 5 mg once a day, respectively, for a minimum of three weeks. The BPH not responded to medicinal management and can be treated with castration and prostatic abscess can be managed surgically by surgical drainage.

The authors acknowledge the Principal Veterinary College, Anand, for giving the required facilities for the study.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.