Prostatomegaly is an enlargement of your dog’s prostate gland. The prostate gland is only found in male dogs, and it secretes a fluid that is one component of your dog’s semen. Prostatomegaly arises in many older male dogs, especially those that are not neutered. Afflicted dogs have a tendency to contract frequent urinary tract infections.

The symptoms of prostatomegaly include fever, weight loss, straining to urinate or pass stool, a ribbon-shaped stool, discharge from the penis, pain during urination, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling and a loss of vitality.  Prostatomegaly may lead to infertility in male dogs.

The most common cause of prostatomegly is benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is the enlargement of the prostate due to aging. Other causes include prostatitis, prostate cancer and paraprostatic cysts (cysts located near and attached to the prostate).

A physical examination including a rectal exam, blood work, urinalysis, urine culture, radiographs and ultrasound are required to diagnose prostatomegaly.

The treatment of prostatomegaly is based on treating the underlying cause.

Neutering your dog early in life may reduce the chances of developing prostatomegaly. 

No, you cannot contract prostatomegaly from your dog.