Читать книгу Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff - Группа авторов - Страница 147

The prostate is an accessory sex gland in the male dog. Its primary purpose is to produce fluids to transport and support sperm. It is located caudal to the bladder and generally can be palpated rectally on the pelvic floor if it is not enlarged. There are many diseases that affect the prostate, and most can result in the behavioral changes mentioned below. The most common of these diseases include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatic cysts, and prostatic tumors.

When the prostate is enlarged, regardless of etiology, its location can result in several behavioral changes. A slight increase in size may put pressure on the colon, resulting in tenesmus. This may be confused with constipation or diarrhea because the consistency of the feces may vary. As the prostate continues to enlarge, it may also put pressure on the urethra, resulting in incomplete bladder emptying. Dogs may strain to urinate, urinate frequently, or have a smaller stream of urine. They may also be uncomfortable lifting their leg to urinate, and thus may assume the typical male puppy stance for urination: standing in a sawhorse position with the hips lowered and the rear legs extended caudally. The urine may have some blood in it as well. In addition, the abdomen may be painful, causing the dog to be very uncomfortable. He may show reluctance to lie down or lie down cautiously, similar to a dog with painful joints. Depending on the etiology, if there is a discharge, the dog may lick his prepuce more often.