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My dog has an enlarged prostate. Should I choose surgery or chemical castration?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 7 years and 8 months old

Diagnosed with enlarged benign prostate. Is chemical castration effective vs surgical to resolve and shrink the gland? Which is safer?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 19th, 2018

I'm sorry that Hades has an enlarged prostate! Castration is the most effective treatment of an enlarged prostate, as it rapidly decreases the size of an enlarged prostate gland. Chemical castration is not recommended because estrogens can induce cell changes predisposing the dog to infection and can be associated with significant bone marrow toxicity, specifically irreversible aplastic anemia. Surgical castration is best. I hope this helps!

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