146 KENNEL DISEASES. 
DISEASE OF THE PROSTATE. 
The prostate is a large, firm, glandular body, which surrounds the neck of 
the bladder and first portion of the urethra. 
Its function is solely a sexual one, and it exists only in males. 
Although subject to diseases, both acute and chronic, by far the largest pro- 
portion of them is of the latter class. Where the former have occurred it has 
not been possible to clearly define their causes; but there seems reasonable 
ground for the belief that many of the attacks were attributable to excessive 
stimulation, —too constant use in the stud. 
In acute inflammation of the prostate, termed prostatitis, if the attack is 
mild or of only moderate severity, pain during discharges from the bowels and 
bladder, and more frequent urination than in health, may be the only symptoms 
suggestive of the trouble that are manifested by it. But where the inflammation 
is severe and involves the entire gland, usually the bladder does not empty 
itself, and there is constant dribbling in consequence of overflow. After long 
continuance of obstinate forms blood is also likely to appear in the urine. 
The condition of the prostate may be made out by means of the forefinger 
in the rectum, its introduction being easily effected when oil, lard, or something 
of the sort is used to lubricate it. 
When the gland is inflamed it is more or less enlarged, hot, and tender ; and 
catherization causes great pain as soon as the tip of the instrument has pene- 
trated to that part of the urethral canal which is surrounded by the prostate 
gland. 
Acute inflammation of only mild intensity might subside after a time with- 
out leaving any distinct trace of its occurrence; but in very severe attacks the 
inflammation is liable to extend to neighboring parts, or abscesses form and 
break through into the pelvic cavity, the bladder, urethra, or intestine. 
To deplete generally is one of the purposes of treatment; and to this end 
the diet should approach for a time the starvation, sort, and only small quantities 
of bland and unstimulating foods be allowed, as rice, milk, the gruels, etc. The 
bowels should also be kept free by means of a simple laxative. 
Warm loin-baths are helpful. The catheter should be passed at quite fre- 
quent intervals ; for when the urine is retained, after a time it liberates ammo- 
nia, which is an active irritant and serves to inflame the bladder. 
Chronic prostatitis occurs among old dogs, and especially members of the 
large breeds that have been kept much on the chain, yet generously fed, and in 
consequence are of dull, sluggish, and indolent habit, and far from high health. 
It may develop from the acute form, but is generally chronic from the first. 
The entire gland is enlarged, although irregularly, the increase being usually 
greater on one side. Irritability of the bladder is associated, and eventually the 
