Benign prostatic hyperplasia in the breeding dog
7-year-old entire German Shepherd, a valuable stud dog. He has blood dripping from the prepuce, haemospermia and mild tenesmus. On rectal examination the prostate is symmetrically enlarged and not painful. No fever; urine and ejaculate cultures are negative.
The owner wants him to keep breeding. Which treatment is most appropriate?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Castration, which is the definitive treatment
It is the definitive treatment for hyperplasia, but it ends the dog's reproductive life, which is exactly what the owner wants to preserve.
B. Oral osaterone acetate for one week (or daily finasteride)
Correct. Osaterone is an antiandrogen that reduces prostate size and signs within a few weeks with an effect lasting several months, without relevantly compromising fertility. Finasteride (a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor) also preserves fertility, although it reduces ejaculate volume.
C. Deslorelin implant
It shrinks the prostate, but suppresses testosterone and sperm production for months (reversible chemical castration) and may cause an initial flare. It is unsuitable if he must keep breeding.
D. A fluoroquinolone for 4 weeks
With negative cultures and a symmetrical, non-painful prostate there is no bacterial prostatitis; antibiotics do not reduce hyperplasia.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects most older entire dogs and is treated only if it causes signs. If breeding does not matter, castration is most effective (the prostate involutes within weeks); a deslorelin implant is a non-surgical alternative. In neutered dogs, a large prostate requires neoplasia to be ruled out.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.