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"Bill" first presented at Fairfield with problems
with his "waterworks"! Not only did he have blood
in his urine but he was passing small quantities some times
without appearing to realise.
The rather awkward examination for both patient and vet
via his rectum revealed an enlarged prostate gland. This
is a very common finding in older male dogs and humans for
that matter!
Over a number of years the prostate gland which is situated
at the neck of the bladder can become enlarged. Consequently,
it may affect the passage of urine through the urethra as
it flows to the penis. This may occur directly through pressure
or sometimes with associated inflammation if the prostate
gland becomes infected.
Fortunately, in dogs, the treatment is very successful
both with medication on a temporary basis and for a complete
cure.........castration.
This is because it is the influence of testosterone on
the prostate which makes it bigger. Remove the source of
testosterone and the prostate should shrink in size! Prior
to surgery it is often improved temporarily with drugs.
Despite initial treatment however, Bill failed to improve.
Radiographs revealed the reason why. Not only did he have
an enlarged prostate but a number of very uncomfortable
stones in his urethra compounding his misery.
A fairly extensive surgical procedure to remove the stones
(urethrostomy) and the source of testosterone (castration)
was performed. Despite some postoperative wound licking
which delayed his recuperation "Bill" is well
on the way to being his old self albeit with his "stones"
missing!
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