[Diagnosis of prostatic diseases in the dog using ultrasonics]

The use of sonography in diagnosing prostate gland diseases has proven very helpful. In contrast to x-raying, it allows the exact determination of the size and position of the prostate, without invasive methods or the danger of side-effects. It also allows the evaluation of its inner construction. For the veterinarian, this is important when weighing the different therapeutic possibilities. Through sonographic findings the kind, extent and localisation of necessary surgery can be decided before hand. The prognosis is facilitated and a continuous control of the intraprostatic process can be carried out, (for example; regression after castration, marsupialisation or antibiotic therapy). One must point out that, when judging prostate gland diseases, the diagnosis should never be made solely on sonographic results, but only in combination with clinical and laboratory examinations.