CHAPTER III. 



DISEASES OF THE PROSTATE GLAND. 



Examination.— In the dog this gland is best examined by 

 digital palpation, and in some cases, when the gland is much 

 enlarged, by palpation through the abdominal walls. The 

 finger is inserted in the rectum and if any enlargements are 

 present they can be distinctly felt by pressing in a downward 

 direction; if acute inflammation is present the slightest 

 pressure will produce severe pain. 



PROSTATITIS. 



Definition.— An acute or chronic inflammation of the pros- 

 tate gland. In the dog this disease is nearly always found to 

 be of a subacute or chronic type. Acute prostatitis is very 

 rare in these animals. 



Etiology.— Prostatitis is produced by microbic invasion, 

 either via the urinary tract, the blood or lymph streams. It 

 may occur from the spread of the inflammation from other 

 portions of the urinary tract. 



Symptoms.— Prostatitis usually develops gradually. The 

 early symptoms are painful defecation and micturition. 

 The animal will make frequent attempts at urinating, the 

 urine voided in small quantities, or there may be complete 

 suppression. Defecation is painful; sometimes impossible. 

 The bladder is found distended. The passage of the catheter 

 is often difficult due to the pressure of the enlarged glands 

 upon the urethra. Gentle pressure on the catheter will cause 

 pain, but in most cases it will gradually pass through the 

 constricted portion into the bladder. The urine will then 

 flow out. 



Digital examination with the index finger inserted in the 

 rectum will reveal the enlarged glands. Should pus be present 

 in the glands they will be somewhat soft and fluctuating. 



