Canine prostate: non-neoplastic lesions

- benign prostatic hyperplasia: proliferation of prostatic epithelium associated with testosterone
- squamous metaplasia: associated with excess estrogen (e.g. Sertoli cell tumor)
- cystic hyperplasia

• usually secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia or squamous metaplasia
• caused by obstruction of ducts that carry prostatic secretions to urethra
• results in multiple fluid-filled cavities

- paraprostatic cysts

• fluid-filled cysts adjacent to prostate
• develop from abnormal tissue that remains from embryonic development

- bacterial infection (bacterial prostatitis)

• may ascend or descend the urethra (if descending, comes from urinary bladder)
• usually associated with pre-existing prostatic abnormality

- prostatic abscess

• progression of bacterial prostatitis with accumulation of pus and abscess formation.