TUMORS OF THE PROSTATE GLAND 2X1 



larger, and firmer than normal. In the dog the prostate 

 gland lies at the neck of the bladder, almost surrounding the 

 urethra, and when hypertrophied it causes compression of 

 the urethra making the passage of urine difficult. 



Symptoms. —The most pronounced symptoms of hyper- 

 trophy of the prostate gland are : Obstruction to the passage 

 of urine. The animal makes frequent attempts to urinate 

 but either only a small quantity or none at all is passed. The 

 straining induced may cause hematuria. The hemorrhage 

 results from the pressure on the venous plexus of the gland 

 exerted by the hypertrophic tissue. The bladder will be 

 found distended and the animal showing considerable dis- 

 tress. There is always danger of rupture of the bladder from 

 overdistention. A complication of conditions is often found 

 in these cases of long standing, such as hydronephrosis, 

 cystitis, etc. Constipation is practically a constant symptom 

 owing to the interference with defecation. No febrile symp- 

 toms are observed in hypertrophy of the gland. Passing the 

 catheter will reveal the urethral obstruction. This may be 

 so pronounced that it will be impossible to get the catheter 

 beyond the prostate. It is possible to palpate the enlarged 

 gland by inserting the finger in the rectum, or in very thin 

 subjects the gland may be felt through the abdominal walls. 



Diagnosis. — The diagnosis is made by observing the symp- 

 toms, passing the catheter, and digital palpation. We must 

 differentiate hypertrophy from abscess and inflammation of 

 the gland. The difference in the temperature, the age of the 

 animal, the size and consistency of the gland, and the chron- 

 icity of the process are indicative. 



Prognosis. — The prognosis is unfavorable. 



Treatment.— The bladder should be examined, and if 

 found distended, emptied either by passing the catheter or 

 by the use of the trocar. 



Laxatives should be given (see Inflammation of the Pros- 

 tate Gland). Internal administration of potassium iodic! 

 (0.1-0.2) daily has been used with success in some cases. 

 At the same time injections of Lugol's solution directly into 

 the gland may be employed. The injection is made with a 

 small calibered, hypodermic needle, which is inserted into the 



