FINASTERIDE THERAPY AS A NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA IN AN 11-YEAR-OLD INTACT DOBERMAN: A CASE REPORT

Benignprostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland and is the most common prostatic disorder in intact male dogs.It is a hormonally mediated condition primarily driven by androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent metabolite of testosterone.BPH in dogs closely parallels the condition seen in aging human males and is regarded as a natural, age-related change in the canine prostate.An 11-year-old intact male Doberman was presented to the outpatient department with a history of hematuria, tenesmus, dyschezia, abnormal urine stream, and stranguria.Based on physical examination, hematobiochemistry, and ultrasonographic findings, the case was diagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia.In light of the owner's refusal of castration, a conservative medical treatment plan with Finasteride (5 alpha reductase inhibitor) was pursued.After four weeks, followup ultrasonography revealed a significant reduction in prostate size, accompanied by resolution of clinical signs.Treatment was continued for several months without any adverse effects.This case demonstrates the effectiveness of finasteride as a nonsurgical alternative for managing BPH in breeding dogs, offering favourable clinical outcomes with minimal side effects.