Noninvasive ultrasonic subtotal ablation of the prostate in dogs

Abstract

Abstract Objective To determine whether high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can be used for subtotal ablation of the prostate gland in dogs without causing damage to surrounding tissues. Design Experimental trial. Animals Adult hounds ≥5 years old and weighing between 20 and 30 kg. Procedure Prostatic ablation was performed in all dogs, using a transrectal HIFU probe. Acute effects of HIFU treatment were evaluated in 4 dogs. These dogs were euthanatized and necropsied 4 hours after the procedure. Chronic effects were evaluated in the other 3 dogs. Serial CBC, serum biochemical analyses, urinalyses, and transrectal ultrasonography were performed. Dogs were euthanatized and necropsied 3 months (1 dog) or 1 year (2 dogs) after HIFU treatment. Results Histologic examination of the prostate glands from the 4 dogs euthanatized 4 hours after treatment revealed that 80 to 90% of the gland had undergone hemorrhagic, liquefactive necrosis. Only slight discoloration of the prostatic capsule was detected, and there were not any gross or histologic lesions of the rectal mucosa or urinary bladder. All 3 dogs followed up after HIFU treatment developed cystic cavities within the prostate. Clinicopathologic testing did not indicate any long-term adverse effects. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance This method was effective in causing subtotal ablation of prostatic tissue in dogs. Further study of morbidity is required before the technique can be used clinically. (Am J Vet Res 1996; 57:1225-1227)