Constipation and prostate enlargement in a 9-year-old male dog

Abstract

The present case report describes the clinical signs and case resolution of an intact 9-year-old male crossbreed dog with spontaneous constipation. The dog presented with abdominal pain, lack of appetite, tenesmus and without signs of defecation in the last 4 days. No important alterations were observed in the complete blood count and biochemistry. A substantial obstruction caused by a faecaloma and a prostate with increased size was observed on X-rays. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was confirmed by ultrasonography (size: 48.29 cm3) and by testing the serum canine prostate-specific arginine esterase concentration (105.97 ng/mL). Colon impaction was resolved with rectal enemas within two days. BPH was treated with osaterone acetate. Ultrasonographic checks were performed after 60 and 180 days from the demission and a concrete constant reduction of prostatic volume and of the clinical signs was established. Faecaloma is an uncommon finding in male dogs, and it occurs especially as a consequence of BPH. Colon impaction in patients with BPH is usually subclinical, but it is important to underline how, in severe cases, perforation of the colon and faecal peritonitis can occur, leading to fatal conditions for the animal. In conclusion, prostatic enlargement should always be considered in male dogs suffering from colonic impaction.