Computer-assisted sperm analysis and comparative diagnostic imaging of benign prostatic hyperplasia in dogs by ultrasound, X-ray and computed tomography

Abstract

Early diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in dogs using imaging methods has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. That allows accurate differentiation of BPH from other diseases, as well as timely prophylaxis and treatment. The aim of the research was to make a comparative analysis of BPH diagnosis by ultrasound, X-ray and computed tomography (CT) and computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) of ejaculates from sexually mature male dogs. Two hundred and fifty patients of different breeds, 80 of whom with previous clinical history and BPH-related complaints at 3 to 7 years of age, were followed. The results of echographic studies of dogs with clinical signs of BPH showed structural prostate changes. Focal inflammation, small or larger intra- or paraprostatic cysts (7%), neoplasia (3%), acute or chronic prostatitis (15%) and prostate abscesses (3%) were detected. The remaining 72% of patients demonstrated evidence of hypo -to hyper heterogenic parenchyma with moderate heterogeneity, which are characteristic of BPH. X-ray findings about prostate volume showed that 85% of the patients studied had an increase in prostate volume, enlarged soft tissue shadow in the caudal abdomen or cranially to the pelvis but caudally to the bladder. These data were found out in 13% more patients than those with ultrasound data for BHP. In this study, computed tomography demonstrated structural changes and precise prostate size in all 10 patients with suspected BPH. The CASA results showed that the percentage of static sperm was significantly higher in dogs with BPH than in healthy dogs. At the same time, there was a decline in the percentage of cells with progressive movement at a rapid and medium rate of movement in patients with BPH compared to those data in healthy dogs. These changes could have a negative effect on the fertilising potential of the sperm. The obtained results suggested that the application of CT and CASA for early diagnosis of BPH in dog breeders from rare and valuable breeds is advisable and useful for timely prevention and treatment of the disease.