Prostate disease is nearly universal in intact male dogs and encompasses benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and cancer, with neutering being the most effective prevention for the benign conditions.
Intact male dogs with BPH experience chronic urinary and defecation difficulty from prostate compression of adjacent structures. The discomfort of straining to urinate or defecate is a persistent welfare cost of maintaining intact status in older male dogs. Castration produces rapid improvement - prostatic regression begins within days of surgery or medical castration. Prostatitis causes acute severe pain, fever, and systemic illness requiring urgent treatment. The welfare of intact male dogs requires regular prostatic evaluation as they age, with castration offered when BPH becomes symptomatic.