A 7-year-old, intact male dachshund presented with a 2-month history of lethargy, decreased appetite, and tenesmus.
History. In addition to the above clinical signs, the owners had also noticed that the dog was reluctant to jump and was licking his ventrum, perineum, and hindlimbs.
Physical Examination. The dog was considerably lethargic on initial physical examination. Temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate were within normal limits. Bilateral perineal hernias were present. Pain was elicited upon palpation of the lumbosacral area. On rectal examination, the prostate was severely enlarged and adhered to the pelvic canal.
Laboratory Analysis. A hemogram did not reveal any clinically significant abnormalities. Serum biochemistry panel revealed slightly elevated ALT, but was otherwise unremarkable. Urinalysis revealed TNTC white blood cells, a moderate amount of red blood cells, and a large number of gram-negative rods. Urine culture isolated a substantial number of beta Escherichia coli.
Diagnostic Tests. Abdominal radiographs revealed a left-sided perineal hernia containing a soft tissue opacity consistent with a focal accumulation of fecal material; the urinary bladder and prostate were poorly visualized.
Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a focal area of hypoechogenicity on the cranial border of the prostate; however, due to the caudal displacement the remaining prostate could not be assessed. These changes were most consistent with prostatitis or prostate neoplasia. Three-view thoracic radiographs did not reveal any evidence of metastasis. Enlarged sternal lymph nodes indicated abdominal disease.
CT was done to further evaluate the prostate and revealed a large, nonuniformly contrast-enhancing mass causing lateral deviation of the colon. While the dog was under general anesthesia, 2 ultrasound-guided biopsy samples were taken using a 16-g, 1.7-cm throw Bard Monopty biopsy instrument needle. One of the biopsy samples was carefully rolled on a slide and submitted for cytologic examination. No hemorrhage was noted after the biopsy.