Prostate Gland Enlargement in Cats
Key takeaways
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is exceedingly rare in cats and refers to the excessive growth of the prostate gland due to non-cancerous cell growth.
- A cat’s prostate is located beside their bladder, and is responsible for producing components of semen
- Most of the information on this condition in cats is largely derived from cases affecting dogs, where the disease is common
- Usually asymptomatic and harmless, although excessive growth may interfere with the ability to pass urine or feces
- Cats unable to urinate for more than 24 hours require emergency treatment.
- Diagnosis includes physical examination, diagnostic imaging, urinalysis, and examination of prostate fluid
- Castration is the preferred treatment method, although hormone medication may be indicated if surgery is not possible
- Prognosis is good in dogs, however the exact prognosis in cats is unknown
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A closer look: Prostate Gland Enlargement in Cats
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is generally harmless, although a sufficiently enlarged prostate may interfere with a cat’s ability to pass feces or urine by obstructing their urethra or rectum.
If a cat has been unable to urinate for more than 24 hours, they require emergency medical attention.
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Risk factors
BPH is extremely rare, and only intact male cats are at risk.
There have been no symptomatic cases of BPH reported in cats, suggesting this condition is not clinically significant in this species.
Possible causes
BPH may be caused by an imbalance between androgens (hormones), such as testosterone, and estrogen generation, or by long-term androgenic stimulation.
Main symptoms
Much of the information about BPH in domestic cats is extrapolated from knowledge about the disease in dogs. In dogs, BPH is usually asymptomatic, and this is presumed to be true in cats as well.
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnostics include:
- Physical examination
- Diagnostic imaging
- Urinalysis
- Urine culture
- Bloodwork
- Examination of prostate fluid
Prevention
BPH can be prevented by castrating male cats.
BPH is not contagious.
Is Prostate Gland Enlargement in Cats common?
Feline BPH is rare in cats.
Typical Treatment
- Castration
- Hormonal medication
- Supportive care
