Power and PulsedDoppler Evaluation of Prostatic Artery Blood Flow in Normal and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia–Affected Dogs

Abstract

This study was carried out with the objectives to test the differences in the haemodynamic characteristics of the prostatic artery in normal and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-affected dogs using Doppler ultrasonography. In sixteen male German shepherd dogs, prostatic volume was detected and prostatic biopsy was performed. The prostatic artery blood flow parameters determined were as follows: peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), Resistive Index (RI) and Pulsatility Index. The power Doppler mode was used for colour flow mapping of the prostatic artery. In PW mode at marginal locations, the waveforms recorded showed a continuous pattern typical of the high-resistance vessels, while in subcapsular locations, the waveforms recorded were continuous characteristic of the low-resistance vessel. Peak systolic velocity and EDV in both locations were significantly higher in BPH group (p < 0.001) than normal group (p < 0.05). Pixel number in BPH group in both locations was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the normal group. This study shows that Doppler ultrasonography represents a valid and non-invasive method for the characterization of the blood flow in the prostatic artery in dogs affected with BPH. Moreover, statistically significant differences of blood flow velocities in prostatic artery in normal and BPH-affected dogs were detected. The RI was not able to differentiate normal dogs from dogs affected by BPH and therefore is not a parameter usable for diagnostic purposes, while Power Doppler could represent an additional diagnostic tool.

The influence of benign prostatic hyperplasia on sperm morphological features and sperm DNA integrity in dogs

“…According to the occurrence of BPH, dogs were assigned to two experimental groups: a control group consisting of dogs without BPH ( n = 5; mean age 7.2 years; mean weight 22.3 kg) and a BPH group ( n = 5; mean age 10.8 years; mean weight 18.8 kg). The presumptive diagnosis of BPH was established through reproductive history, clinical signs and prostatic biometry measured by B‐mode ultrasonography (Pasikowska, Hebel, Nizanski, & Nowak, ; Zelli, Orlandi, Troisi, Cardinali, & Polisca, ). Among clinical signs, the most commonly identified were haematospermia, tenesmus, dysuria and haematuria.…”

Two-dimensional and Doppler sonographic prostatic appearance of sexually intact French Bulldogs

“…In men, the use of Doppler allows for the visualization of neoplastic [27] and hyperplastic changes [28] and for determining prognosis after surgical resection [29,30]. In dogs, the Doppler technique represents a valid noninvasive method for characterizing the blood flow in the prostatic artery in normal dogs [31], benign hyperplasia prostatic-affected dogs [7,32], and treated dogs [33]. The mean RI and PI obtained in the present study for the prostatic artery are similar to those found in the literature [6,7].…”

Clinical approach to prostatic diseases in the dog

“…It is important to remember that BPH evolution is individual and difficult to predict. The symptoms can be graded according to their severity, frequency and duration thanks to a symptom index validated for BPH (Zambelli, Cunto, & Gentilini, ). Considering this classification and that the clinical signs may be the same during many years, we can choose the best therapy for the single case and, so, no therapy is usually recommended when mild signs are present or if symptoms do not disturb the patient.…”

“…In the first case or if moderate symptoms do not affect dog and/or owner life, watchful waiting is the best treatment. In every other case, when symptoms affect dog and/or owner life, pharmacological or surgical treatment should be recommended (Zambelli et al, ). In particular situations, when BPH is associated with incontinence caused by bladder hyperdistention, severe dyschezia, presence of perineal hernias, severe recurrent haematuria or urethral discharge, presence of big retention cysts, dysuria/acute urinary retention, castration is the treatment of choice following which prostatic volume decreases within 7–14 days after surgery.…”