BPH appears to affect over 50% of entire male dogs over 5 years old. There is an increase in prostate cell size and cell numbers. Clinical signs suggestive of BPH are constipation, dysuria, haematuria, pain, lameness, behavioural problems, infertility and haematospermia. A simple blood test is now available and can provide a reliable alternative to rectal palpation. A single serum sample overcomes the many pitfalls of monitoring by rectal palpation such as the unpleasantness for dog, owner and vet, the awkwardness in large and minature breeds, difficulty in distinguishing normal from abnormal and the fact that BPH must be severe to detect accurately by palpation.

Canine Prostate Specific Esterase (CPSE) is a major protein secreted by the prostate and represents more than 90% of the proteins found in seminal fluid. CPSE passes into the bloodstream following either an increase in its production or an alteration in the blood-glandular barrier caused by changes in glandular structure.

Interpretation

Normal: < 50 ng/mL. Strong suspicion of BPH: > 70 ng/mL