Indiana

Age: 3 years
Breed: Alaskan Malamute
Diagnosis: Prostatic Cystic Disease

Indiana was a new patient to Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center and was scheduled to see Dr. Cain for a reproductive semen freezing procedure. Upon collection of the semen sample it was noted that there was a considerable amount of bright red blood in his semen. Indiana's owner indicated that he had had chronic blood drainage from his penis intermittently for approximately a year. Indiana had been treated for a urinary tract infection (UTI) by his primary veterinarian, but his condition had not improved.

Dr. Cain recommended a prostate and ultrasound exam which revealed cysts within the prostate. Prostatic cysts are uncommon and are usually found in older dogs. Unfortunately, Indiana had numerous cysts, many of which were larger in size. Indiana was immediately started on a course of antibiotics and Finasteride, a human male prostate medication. One month later there was no blood present in his semen and by his second follow-up appointment the number and size of the cysts had been greatly reduced. Today Indiana is doing great and has put on 15 pounds of muscle.

Summary
Indiana's condition went undiagnosed until he was brought to Dr. Cain for a reproductive procedure. A common course of treatment might have been to neuter Indiana however, Dr. Cain was able to avoid this by formulating a treatment plan that will allow Indiana, a valuable-winning show dog to remain intact as a potential breeding dog.