280 DISEASES OF THE PROSTATE GLAND 



The abscesses sometimes rupture, either into the urethra, 

 the abdominal cavity or through the skin in the perineal 

 region. 



More or less irregularity in the temperature is noted. 



Prognosis.— Although complete recovery cannot be hoped 

 for, owing to the changes which have taken place in the 

 glands, partial recovery is possible. 



Treatment. — M edical— Purgatives should be administered 

 at once, such as castor oil (15.0-30.0) or magnesium sulphate 

 (8.0-15.0). Small doses of morphin may be given in case 

 pain is severe. 



Surgical— The bladder is examined and if found distended, 

 the catheter should be passed and the urine withdrawn. If 

 this is impossible, on account of the compression of the 

 urethra, immediate puncture of the bladder with a trocar 

 may be made. The prostate gland must be examined care- 

 fully, and if found fluctuated, indicating abscess formation, 

 make an attempt to relieve it by pressure with the finger 

 inserted into the rectum. This method is often satisfactory. 

 Should this fail, a long exploring trocar is introduced into 

 the gland either through the rectal wall or through the peri- 

 neum. In either case the finger should be retained in the 

 rectum to guide the insertion of the trocar, and also to exert 

 some pressure on the gland to force the contents out. Pros- 

 tatic abscesses are sometimes found with an opening out 

 through the perineum. The opening should be enlarged 

 sufficiently to afford good drainage, and syringed out with 

 an antiseptic solution. Rupture of the abscess into the peri- 

 toneal cavity results in peritonitis, and death in a short time. 



TUMORS OF THE PROSTATE GLAND. 



'Hypertrophy of the Prostate Gland. 



Hypertrophy is common in old dogs, and is occasionally 

 observed in young animals. In hypertrophy the normal 

 glandular tissue is gradually replaced by fibrous connective 

 tissue, which leads to an atrophy of the tubules and muscle 

 fibers greatly increasing in the stroma of the gland. The 

 gland gradually loses its function of secretion, becomes much 



