Prostatic carcinoma is an aggressive cancer arising from the glandular or transitional cells of the prostate gland. An important distinction from benign prostatic enlargement (which affects only intact male dogs) is that prostatic cancer occurs in both castrated and intact dogs — in fact, some evidence suggests neutered dogs may be at equal or even higher risk, though this relationship is still being studied. The tumour is locally invasive, often extending into the urethra and trigone of the bladder, and has a high rate of spread to the sublumbar lymph nodes and to bone — particularly the lumbar spine and pelvis, which can cause hind-limb stiffness or pain. It typically presents with difficulty urinating, bloody urine, or straining to defecate. The prognosis is generally poor, as the cancer is usually advanced at diagnosis and complete surgical removal is rarely feasible. Treatment focuses on pain management, maintaining urinary function, and slowing progression.