Comparative Evaluation of Diagnostic Methods for Subclinical Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Intact Breeding Male...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Canine Health

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition affecting intact male dogs, impacting reproductive health.
• Subclinical BPH lacks obvious clinical signs, making early diagnosis difficult despite rectal palpation.
• Untreated BPH poses risks to a dog's overall health and breeding potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate subclinical BPH in male dogs using a combination of diagnostic methods.
• To establish and propose new diagnostic thresholds for subclinical BPH.
• To promote early detection and management of canine BPH.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 65 male dogs, with 35 diagnosed with subclinical BPH and 30 as controls.
• Diagnostic tools included rectal palpation, ultrasonography, and canine prostatic-specific esterase (CPSE) analysis.
• Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) was used for enhanced diagnostic precision in suspected cases.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed in rectal palpation and ultrasonography findings between subclinical BPH and healthy dogs.
• Diagnostic thresholds for prostatic volume and CPSE values were established, with new thresholds proposed for subclinical BPH.
• Prostate gland volume was found to be dependent on the dog's weight and age.

Conclusions:

• Early detection of subclinical BPH is achievable through a combination of ultrasound features, CPSE levels, and rectal palpation.
• These methods aid practitioners in early BPH detection and screening program development.
• Routine, non-invasive prostate screenings in breeding males are advocated for improved canine health and reproductive outcomes.