What Causes Enlarged Prostate?
An enlarged prostate develops as a result of the following: • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or cystic hyperplasia • Prostatisis (bacterial infection of prostate gland) • Paraprostatic cysts (large fluid-filled sacs connected to the prostate by a thin stalk) • Squamous metaplasia (enlargement of the prostate gland caused by excessive exposure to estrogen) • Prostatic abscess (a pocket of infected fluid develops within the prostate and is a severe form of prostatitis). • Prostatic neoplasia (tumors of the prostate gland) When a male pet is neutered most of the prostate gland is removed and as a result prostate problems seldom occur. Enlarged prostates often affect older intact male animals. When an intact dog or cat grows older, their hormone levels – testosterone and estrogen change and cause the prostate gland to swell. A swollen prostate gland causes extreme discomfort and pain, and makes urinating and defecating for your pet very difficult.
