Use of the ultrasound and the determination of Canine Prostate-Specific Esterase (CPSE) to assess the prostate in dogs

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to define the ultrasonographic characteristics of the prostate, both in adult and neutered dogs, as well as to test the efficacy of a commercial test to determine canine prostate-specific esterase (CPSE) and its possible use as a diagnostic test for prostatic pathologies. Benign prostatic hyperplasia represents 50% of prostatic pathologies in dogs older than 5 years, and 95% of pathologies in dogs older than 9 years. The treatment of choice for this pathology is orchidectomy, which consists in the removal of the testicles from the scrotal sac in order to minimize the hormonal influence on the organism. The study was performed on 74 male dogs attending the Veterinary Hospital, which underwent ultrasound evaluation of the prostate and measurement of Canine Prostate-Specific Esterase (CPSE), taking as reference the age and size of the animals. Sixteen of the males studied underwent orchidectomy and prostate status and plasma CPSE concentration were assessed 4 months after surgery, resulting in a short-term decrease in plasma CPSE concentration, as well as an involution of the prostate to its initial state in the first 4 months after surgery. The study showed that the prostatic area of entire males is much larger than that of castrated males, due to the absence of hormonal stimulation. At the same time, it was determined that, in entire males, the size of the animal influences the size of the prostate more than its age, being more evident in males > 15 kg. On the other hand, it was shown that elevated plasma CPSE concentration translates directly into an increase in gland size.