Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and prostatic cysts in dogs cause significant discomfort and require appropriate diagnosis and treatment to maintain quality of life in affected males.
Prostatic disease causes chronic discomfort and pain affecting quality of life in intact male dogs. BPH causes straining at defecation that is uncomfortable and when severe causes constipation requiring intervention. Prostatitis causes acute systemic illness and significant pain. The preventability of BPH through castration creates an ethical dimension where owners' choices about reproductive status affect their dog's welfare. Discussing prostatic disease risk with veterinarians during the decision-making process about castration allows owners to make welfare-informed choices. Dogs with established prostatic disease require prompt appropriate treatment to minimize suffering duration.