Intact Male Dogs Research Articles

Ultrasonographic and Clinical Studies on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Dogs

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is prostate gland enlargement in which squamous metaplasia or glandular hyperplasia, or together, result from hormone imbalance in intact male dogs. Seventy five clinical cases of different ages and breeds, presented to ultrasonographic unit Veterinary college hospital, Hebbal, Bengaluru were utilized for the present investigation. The most common clinical findings in BPH were urinary retention, constipation, dysuria, cystitis, and haematuria. Clinical signs were evident in six dogs and in three dogs BPH was an incidental finding. Ultrasonography examination revealed enlarged prostate with normal to increased echogenicity, and with homogeneous or inhomogeneous echotexture. On transverse image, the two lobes were usually symmetrical. Benign prostatic hyperplasia with intraprostatic cysts was observed in two dogs one in mongrel and the other boxer aged 9 and 8 years respectively. Studies towards early diagnosis of this condition are crucial for effective treatment and improvement of quality of life of affected animals.

Effect of castration on the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio of male dogs.

To assess the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) of healthy sexually intact male dogs and to compare the UPCR of these dogs before and after castration. 19 client- or shelter-owned healthy adult sexually intact male dogs. Physical, hematologic, and biochemical examinations and urinalysis (including calculation of the UPCR) were performed on each dog. Dogs were then castrated, and physical examination and urinalysis (including calculation of the UPCR) were performed again at least 15 days after castration. A dipstick test yielded positive results for protein in the urine of 10 sexually intact male dogs, but the UPCR was < 0.5 for all sexually intact male dogs. Mean UPCR for sexually intact male dogs was 0.12 (range, 0.10 to 0.32). The UPCR was < 0.2 for all castrated dogs, except for 1. Mean UPCR for all castrated dogs was 0.08 (range, 0.05 to 0.69). There was a significant difference between mean UPCR before and after castration. In this study, pathological proteinuria was not detected in sexually intact male dogs. Positive results for a urine dipstick test should be interpreted with caution in sexually intact male dogs and should be confirmed by assessment of the UPCR. An increased UPCR in sexually intact male dogs may be considered abnormal.

A retrospective study of canine prostatic diseases from 2002 to 2009 at the Alfort Veterinary College in France

A retrospective study was used to investigate the incidence of prostatic diseases in a large population of dogs at Alfort Veterinary Hospital and to clarify epidemiologic features, which might be of a great help to veterinarians in managing and discriminating prostatic disorders. During the investigation period, a total of 72,300 male dogs (coming mainly from the Ile-de-France region) were registered in the Alfort Veterinary College database, and 481 of them (0.7%) were found to have prostatic disorder. The diagnosis was carried out on the basis of clinical signs and ultrasound findings. Among dogs experiencing a prostatic disorder, most frequently recorded diseases were benign prostatic hyperplasia (45.9%) and prostatitis (38.5%), followed by abscesses (7.7%), cysts (5.0%), neoplasia (2.6%), and squamous metaplasia (0.2%). Our study revealed an incidence of 0.3% of prostatic disorders observed in intact male dogs, except in the case of prostatic neoplasia. The mean age of the dogs experiencing prostatic disorders was 8.6 ± 3.2 years. This was significantly different (P < 0.001). Large dogs were significantly more affected by prostatic disorders (P < 0.05), except for prostatic neoplasia. A breed predisposition was suspected in German Shepherd (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5–2.9), Rottweiler (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2–2.7), American Staffordshire Terrier (OR = 3.8; 95% CI: 2.5–5.8), Berger de Beauce (OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 2.2–6.1), and Bernese Mountain Dog (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3–4.7).

Plasma ACTH, α-MSH and cortisol variations in the dog during the oestrous cycle in different photoperiods

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is a complex system regulated by multiple factors. Sexual dimorphism of this axis has been described in different species under physiological conditions and it has been proposed that sexual hormones could have an effect on it. There are only a few reports about sex-linked variations in HPA axis hormones in the dog. Thus, studying the impact of sexual hormones on the HPA axis would broaden the knowledge about its function in this species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether there are variations in HPA plasma hormones (ACTH, alfa-melanocyte-stimulating hormone [α-MSH] and cortisol) according to the sex and photoperiod (positive or negative photoperiod were considered when the duration of the light hours of the day was more than 12 or less than 12, respectively) under basal conditions (like anoestrus) and throughout the oestrous cycle in the female dog. The population under study consisted of 11 intact female and 14 intact male dogs. Under basal conditions neither ACTH nor α-MSH concentrations showed differences between sexes and different photoperiods. Cortisol showed greater values in the negative photoperiod than in the positive, both in females and males (P = 0.03 and P = 0.015, respectively). Throughout the oestrous cycle, all the studied hormones showed variations (P < 0.0001). The greatest concentrations of ACTH were observed at proestrus, while α-MSH and cortisol showed their greatest concentrations at oestrus. The three hormones decreased in diestrus. ACTH and cortisol concentrations were higher in the negative photoperiod (P = 0.04 and P < 0.0001, respectively), while α-MSH concentrations were higher in the positive photoperiod (P = 0.012). In the group of females oestradiol and progesterone correlated with ACTH (r = 0.75, P < 0.0001; r = 0.34, P < 0.01, respectively), α-MSH (r = 0.49, P < 0.0001; r = 0.52, P < 0.0001, respectively) and cortisol (r = 0.33, P < 0.01; r = 0.5, P < 0.0001, respectively). These results show that in females, HPA axis hormones vary during the oestrous cycle in relation to oestradiol and progesterone fluctuations. The ACTH, α-MSH and cortisol concentrations also showed differences between photoperiods in females, but only cortisol did so in males. These findings suggest that sexual hormones could have an effect on the HPA axis. Further research needs to be done to fully understand this interaction and the mechanisms involved.

Anatomical and physiological basis for the allometric scaling of cisplatin clearance in dogs.

Cisplatin is a platinum-containing cytotoxic drug indicated for the treatment of solid tumors in veterinary and human patients. Several of the algorithms used to standardize the doses of cytotoxic drugs utilize allometry, or the nonproportional relationships between anatomical and physiological variables, but the underlying basis for these relationships is poorly understood. The objective of this proof of concept study was to determine whether allometric equations explain the relationships between body weight, kidney weight, renal physiology, and clearance of a model, renally cleared anticancer agent in dogs. Postmortem body, kidney, and heart weights were collected from 364 dogs (127 juveniles and 237 adults, including 51 dogs ≥ 8 years of age). Renal physiological and cisplatin pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in ten intact male dogs including two juvenile and eight adult dogs (4-55 kg). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow, effective renal blood flow, renal cisplatin clearance, and total cisplatin clearance were allometrically related to body weight with powers of 0.75, 0.59, 0.61, 0.71, and 0.70, respectively. The similar values of these diverse mass exponents suggest a common underlying basis for the allometry of kidney size, renal physiology, and renal drug handling.

Administração de toxina botulínica A e a orquiectomia no tratamento da hiperplasia prostática benigna do cão

&lt;p&gt;A fisiopatologia da hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB) não está totalmente compreendida, no entanto, a diidrotestosterona é o principal hormônio envolvido. Recentemente, o efeito da toxina botulínica A (TB-A) foi investigado, mostrando que esta induz atrofia do parênquima e redução do volume prostático. Com base nisso, este estudo teve como objetivos comparar os efeitos da administração da TB-A com a orquiectomia no tratamento da HPB, além de avaliar os efeitos da TB-A sobre a libido e qualidade do sêmen. Para tanto, 16 cães adultos foram submetidos à castração ou administração de 500U de TB-A, e avaliados durante 16 semanas. A orquiectomia mostrou-se um excelente tratamento, promovendo redução de 80% do volume prostático. Aplicação da TB-A não ocasionou alterações na libido, ereção ou qualidade e características seminais. Por outro lado, reduziu significamente o volume da próstata. Os resultados sugerem que a administração intraprostática de TB-A é um tratamento alternativo efetivo e sem efeitos colaterais para cães destinados a programas de reprodução. No entanto, esta terapia apresenta reduções inferiores do volume prostático, quando comparada com a orquiectomia.&lt;/p&gt;

Computed Tomography of the Prostate Gland in Healthy Intact Dogs and Dogs with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

To date, there is only scarce data on the evaluation of the prostate gland in dogs using computed tomography (CT). The aims of our study were to describe CT features of BPH in dogs and to determine the size of the prostate gland in healthy male dogs and dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through CT. Additionally, we aimed to compare and establish the most useful parameters for CT measurements of the prostate in patients with BPH. The study population consisted of 20 healthy intact male dogs and 20 male intact dogs with confirmed BPH. Pre- and post-contrast CT studies were evaluated. The most common CT features in dogs with recognized BPH were symmetrical prostatomegaly and heterogeneity of the prostatic parenchyma. The mean prostatic density (D) was 56HU (±4.39) in pre-contrast CT images and 84HU (±8) in post-contrast images in dogs with BPH. The mean prostatic length (L) was 43.87 mm (±11), the mean width (W) amounted to 48.95 mm (±8.76) and the mean height (H) reached 44.9 mm (±9.48) in clinically affected patients. The mean ratios were: rL - 2,12 (±0.5); rW - 2.39 (±0.53) and rH - 2.16 (±0.39) in the BPH group. The prostate should be considered to be enlarged when rL exceeds 3.05; rW exceeds 3.38 and rH exceeds 2.94. Our findings indicated that CT is a useful tool in diagnosing prostate disorders, including BPH. The heterogeneity, density and ratios of prostatic length, width and height can be useful parameters in the diagnosis of BPH.

Effects of intratesticular administration of zinc gluconate and dimethyl sulfoxide on clinical, endocrinological, and reproductive parameters in dogs

Nonsurgical sterilization methods are considered alternative tools for the worldwide challenge represented by canine overpopulation control. Intratesticular injection of zinc gluconate associated with DMSO arises as an option because of the effortless diffusion throughout the testicular parenchyma. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of a double testicular injection of zinc gluconate associated with DMSO as a chemical contraceptive for male dogs. The study was conducted with 22 dogs treated with two intratesticular injections of the chemical solution (treated group; n = 15) or 0.9% NaCl solution (control group; n = 7) on a monthly interval. All animals were submitted to clinical examination, breeding soundness evaluation including morphologic and sonographic examination of the testes, assessment of libido, volume of the sperm-rich fraction, sperm motility, total sperm count, plasma membrane integrity, sperm morphologic abnormalities, and the total number of morphologically normal and motile sperm in the ejaculate. Blood samples were collected for serum testosterone analysis, and testicular tissue was morphologically and histologically evaluated. No clinical alterations and signs of pain or local sensitivity along the experimental period were noticed. However, the injection of zinc gluconate and DMSO significantly reduced libido and testosterone concentrations (even beyond the reference range for intact male dogs). Impairment of sperm quality–related variables was observed 15 days after the first intratesticular administration of zinc gluconate and DMSO (i.e., decrease in sperm count and sperm motility and an increase in major sperm defects and by this a decrease in the total number of morphologically normal and motile sperm). Testicular ultrasonographic analysis revealed reduction of testicular volume and changes of testicular echotexture in treated animals, compatible with tissue degeneration, fibrosis, and calcification of testicular parenchyma on histologic examination. In conclusion, intratesticular administration of zinc gluconate associated with DMSO reduces reproductive potential which may lead to subfertility or infertility in dogs.

Comparison of caudal and pre-scrotal castration for management of perineal hernia in dogs between 2004 and 2014

AIMS: To compare peri- and post-operative complications associated with caudal scrotal castration (CSC) and perineal hernia repair with pre-scrotal castration (PSC) in conjunction with another surgical procedure.METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for 51 intact male dogs that were admitted to the Veterinary Emergency and Surgical Center, Levittown, PA, and underwent a CSC and perineal hernia repair using an internal obturator muscle flap (IOMF) between 2004 and 2014. Perioperative, and major and minor post-operative complications noted within the 2 week follow up period were reported and compared to 91 intact male dogs that underwent a PSC in conjunction with a second surgical procedure.RESULTS: There were no recorded perioperative or major post-operative complications in either group. There were 3/51 (6%) minor post-operative complications in the CSC group compared to 6/91 (7%) in the PSC group. There were 2/51 (4%) and 4/91 (4%) cases that developed heat, erythema and swelling associated with the incision site and 1/51 (2%) and 2/91 (2%) cases that developed scrotal swelling in the CSC and PSC groups, respectively. Overall, there was no difference in the prevalence of minor complications between the two groups (p=0.86).CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Caudal scrotal castration was not associated with more perioperative or postoperative complications relative to PSC. Utilising the CSC approach eliminates the need to aseptically prepare and drape a second site when carrying out perineal hernia repair, as well as the need for patient repositioning. Thus, we recommend that CSC be the preferred surgical technique when performing orchiectomy in dogs concurrent with perineal hernia repair.

Feasibility Study of Laparoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement in Beagle Dogs

Aim of this study is demonstrate the feasibility of Laparoscopic gastrostomy (LG) tube placement in dogs by comparing with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement, based on operative time, complications and gastro-peritoneal adhesion evaluation. Eight intact male beagle dogs were used in this study. Tri-Funnel Replacement Gastrostomy tube (Bard Inc., USA) of 20 Fr was used for LG technique and PEG kit (Ponsky “Pull” PEG Kit ® , Bard Inc., USA) with soft silicone retention dome consisting of a 20 Fr gastrostomy tube was used. Feeding via gastrostomy tube was performed in two weeks, maintenance energy requirement (MER) divided into 3 separate feeding. LG and PEG were evaluated at intraoperative, postoperative and postmortem period. Mean operative time for the PEG group was significantly shorter when compared with the LG group (p < 0.05). Successful maintenance of gastrostomy tube was confirmed in all dogs. Gastric and peritoneal wall adhesions were formed successfully in each group. The mean adhesion length (AL) and width (AW) were significantly larger in LG group compared with in PEG group (p < 0.05). The mean adhesion distance (AD) was not significantly different between two groups (p = 0.182). Consequently, LG is an effective minimally invasive, safe and easy to perform technique for providing enteral nutritional support in dogs.

Computed tomographic pneumocolonography in normal dogs.

Objectives of this prospective study were to describe effects of varying technical components that may contribute to an optimal protocol for computed tomographic pneumocolonography (CTP) in dogs, and to develop a standardized methodology for CTP as a future potential diagnostic tool in canine clinical patients with large bowel disease. Eight purpose-bred intact male hound cross-research dogs were enrolled and randomized to groups based on variables of pressure/body position (n = 4) and insufflation time (n = 4). For each segment of large bowel (rectum, colorectal junction, descending colon, transverse colon, ascending colon), the adequacy of bowel preparation, % of bowel lumen filled with fecal material, and bowel tortuosity or folding were assessed. Measurements of bowel wall thickness (cm), cross-sectional bowel lumen diameter (cm), and cross-sectional bowel luminal area (cm(2) ) were obtained at standardized locations within the large bowel. False discovery rates (FDR) were calculated to adjust for multiple testing. Values of FDR < 0.05 were considered significant. Differences in mean cross-sectional area and diameter and bowel wall thickness under increasing pressure were not significant after adjusting for multiple testing; some had raw p values <0.05. Ascending colon diameter and ascending colon area significantly increased with insufflation time (FDR < 0.05). No other response variables showed a significant change with insufflation time. The optimal insufflation pressure for maintaining pneumocolon in this study was determined to be 20 mmHg. CTP is a feasible technique to provide consistent distension for imaging of the large bowel and further study on application of CTP in clinical patients is warranted.

Epidemiological aspects of myelography in dogs: 61 cases (2003–2012)

Myelography is a radiological contrast examination technique frequently used in the diagnosis of vertebral spine and spinal cord disorders. The procedure involves inserting a needle with subsequent injection of contrast medium, which delimits the spinal cord. The main indication is suspected spinal injuries not visualized on plain radiographs. Myelography is effective in the identification of the location of the lesion but is contraindicated in patients with infectious diseases or who have recently experienced trauma. Advantages of myelography are cost effectiveness in both the examination procedure and maintenance of equipment, and delivery of quality images, compared with other imaging methods in dogs. Disadvantages include a relatively long examination procedure, the need for general anesthesia, and the risk of seizures or death. The aim of this study was to characterize a population of dogs undergoing myelography according to the following factors: severity of injury, breed, age, sex, reproductive status, diet, weight, previous illnesses, vertebral region evaluated, lesion location in spinal cord or meninges, cause of radiographic signs, and possible complications. The database was created from information in medical records, and included 61 dogs with suspected disorders of the vertebral spine, spinal cord, and/or meninges that underwent myelography at the Unidade Hospitalar para Animais de Companhia of Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Parana from January 2003 through December 2012. The results indicate that the most common degree of injury severity was Grade 2 (39.34% of the patients). The most prevalent breeds were mixed breed dogs (22.58%) and the dachshund (18.03%). Ages with higher frequency were 6 and 10 years (average, 7.6 years). According to sex and reproductive status, intact male (42.62%) and female (36.06%) dogs were most affected. The commercial (50.82%) and mixed (44.26%) diets were the most common diets. The body weight between 6 and 15 kg (37.70%) was the most significant. Most of the patients showed no previous diseases (73.77%). The thoracolumbar region was the most evaluated (47.22%). Most injuries were extramedullary (62.30%), and the most common cause was intervertebral disc disease (52.38%). The complications of myelography were not significant. It can be seen that the data in our environment tend to be similar to those of the national literature, but international literature is currently focusing on more sensitive tests such as CT and MRI.

Diagnostic investigations of canine prostatitis incidence together with benign prostate hyperplasia, prostate malignancies, and biochemical recurrence in high-risk prostate cancer as a model for human study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of acute and chronic inflammation, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and cancer of the prostate glands in the canine as a human model in prostate disorders. The study was carried out on 12 cases of different male dogs of terrier (50%), German shepherd (25%) breeds, and Greden (25%), and the age of the dogs ranged from 6 to 13 years (average age 7.8 ± 3.6). The bodyweight ranged from 3.6 to 7.9 kg. Signalment, clinical signs, and diagnostic tools such as ultrasonography, urinary cytology, and histopathology are presented. Dysuria was the most common clinical sign in this study and occurred in 10/12 canine (83.3%) included. Other clinical signs included lameness (5/12 canine, 41.6%) and constipation (3/12 canine, 25%). The range of duration of clinical signs was 5 days to 7 months. Moreover, in the present study, the urinary biochemical markers of different prostate lesions include blood, protein, and glucose and were detected in 11/12 cases (91.6%), 5/12 cases (41.6%), and 2/12 cases (16.6%), respectively. Taken together, sonographic data were classified into four groups based on histological diagnosis. In 7/12 cases (58.4%), the prostate appeared to have BPH lesions, and the remaining lesions included inflammation (3/12 cases, 25%), abscess (1 case, 8.3%), and adenocarcinoma (1 case, 8/3%) on ultrasound. In all cases, prostate tissue had an irregular echotexture. None of the dogs had sonographic evidence of sublumbar lymph node enlargement. Histopathologically, we looked at the prevalence of inflammation (33.3% chronic and 8.3% acute) and BPH (58.4%) in dogs of different ages and breeds, and also, we observed chronic inflammation in >20% of dogs, which was about 25% in 3 cases of the 12 cases referred. More chronic inflammation was associated with more BPH. The majority of the asymptomatic inflammation that is detected in the prostate is classified as chronic inflammation (i.e., as evidenced by the presence of monocytic and/or lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory cell infiltrates); however, acute inflammation is also observed to a lesser degree. Acute inflammation, as is typically evidenced by the infiltration of neutrophils, is classically an indicator of an infectious process. Finally, the patients included seven castrated, four castrated together with antibiotic therapy, and one castrated together with chemotherapy intact male dogs, which were treated with the mentioned cases. In conclusion, chronic prostatic inflammation could be a central mechanism in BPH progression, but the pathological features of tissue inflammation were different between BPH and prostate cancer (PCa). Nevertheless, the histological examination of prostate biopsies remains the only way to diagnose prostatic disorders.

Cryosurgery and electrocautery in treatment of transmissible venereal tumours in large breed dogs: a case report

Five intact male group-raised Tosa dogs were diagnosed with transmissible venereal tumours. Surgical removal with electrocautery and a cryogun was conducted because the owner wanted to maintain the fertility of the dogs. The dogs were followed up for 12 months. The surgical wounds were completely healed by five to six weeks. The dogs remained fertile without complications or recurrences. To maintain fertility in dogs suffering from transmissible venereal tumours, the combination of an electrocautery and a cryogun is suggested.

Risk factors for survival in a university hospital population of dogs with epilepsy.

BackgroundAlthough a common neurological disorder in dogs, long‐term outcome of epilepsy is sparsely documented.ObjectivesTo investigate risk factors for survival and duration of survival in a population of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy or epilepsy associated with a known intracranial cause.AnimalsOne hundred and two client owned dogs; 78 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy and 24 dogs with epilepsy associated with a known intracranial cause.MethodsA retrospective hospital based study with follow‐up. Dogs diagnosed with epilepsy between 2002 and 2008 were enrolled in the study. Owners were interviewed by telephone using a structured questionnaire addressing epilepsy status, treatment, death/alive, and cause of death.ResultsMedian life span was 7.6 years, 9.2 years, and 5.8 years for all dogs, and dogs with idiopathic epilepsy or dogs with epilepsy associated with a known intracranial cause (P < .001), respectively. Survival time for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy was significantly (P = .0030) decreased for dogs euthanized because of epilepsy (median: 35 months) compared to dogs euthanized for other reasons (median: 67.5 months). Neutered male dogs with idiopathic epilepsy had a significant (P = .031) shorter survival (median: 38.5 months) after index seizure compared to intact male dogs (median: 71 months). Treatment with two antiepileptic drugs (AED′s) did not negatively influence survival (P = .056).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceDogs with idiopathic epilepsy can in many cases expect a life span close to what is reported for dogs in general. In dogs where mono‐therapy is not sufficient, the need for treatment with two AED′s is not linked to a poor prognosis.

A comparison of pet and purpose-bred research dog (Canis familiaris) performance on human-guided object-choice tasks

Several studies have shown that domestic dogs respond to human social cues such as pointing. Some experiments have shown that pet dogs outperformed wolves in following a momentary distal point. These findings have lent support to the hypothesis that domestication is responsible for domestic dogs’ ability to utilize human gestures. Other studies demonstrating comparable performance in human-socialized wolves suggest this skill depends on experience with relevant human stimuli. However, domestic dogs lacking thorough exposure to humans are underrepresented in the comparative literature. The goal of this study was to evaluate pet and kennel-reared research domestic dogs on their ability to follow two types of point in an object-choice task. This study used young adult, intact male research dogs (n=11) and a comparison group of pet dogs living in human homes (n=9). We found that while pet dogs followed the momentary distal point above chance levels, research dogs did not. Both groups followed the simpler dynamic proximal point; however, pet dogs outperformed research dogs on this task. Our results indicate that ontogenetic experiences may influence a domestic dog's ability to use human gestures, highlighting the importance of testing different sub-populations of domestic dogs.

Diagnosis of common prostatic conditions in dogs: an update.

Prostatic diseases account for 3-10% of intact male dogs presented to veterinary surgeons. Conditions vary according to severity and frequency ranging from the most common, such as prostatic hyperplasia and cysts to the rarer conditions such as prostatic abcesses and neoplasia. Different causes of prostatic disease can often not be distinguished by evaluation of clinical signs, as these are not very distinctive and may be similar for many prostatic conditions. Understanding which additional diagnostic tools to use for each of the possible conditions is essential in making a correct diagnosis leading to the proper treatment. This article will discuss the different etiologies, age groups of dogs and the decision-making process which will help the practitioner to choose the right investigative tools, treatments and prognosis when dealing with prostatic disease.

Semen parameters and seminal plasma protein and biochemical profiles of dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia after botulinum toxin type A intraprostatic injection

This study aimed to determine the effects of different concentrations of botulinum toxin type A (BT-A) on semen parameters, and seminal plasma biochemical and protein profiles of dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Eighteen sexually intact male dogs with BPH were randomly divided in three groups, and received an intraprostatic injection of saline solution (control group - CG), 250UI (GI) or 500UI (GII) of BT-A under transabdominal ultrasound guidance. Semen was collected at baseline, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Semen parameters were determined and seminal plasma pH, total protein (TP), total chlorides (TC), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and sodium (Na) concentrations were assessed. One-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrilamide gel eletrophoresis (SDS- PAGE) was performed to determine seminal plasma protein profile. Sperm parameters and seminal plasma pH, TP, TC, Ca and K mean values did not change significantly at any time point and among treated groups (P&gt;0.05). The SDS-PAGE analysis of the pooled fractions identified 31 protein bands with molecular weights ranging from 3.9 to 106.2kDA in all treatment groups during the entire evaluation period. Regardless the used dose, intraprostatic BT-A injection do not alter semen parameters and seminal plasma biochemical and protein profiles of dogs with BPH.

Histotripsy of the Prostate Using a Commercial System in a Canine Model

Histotripsy is a focused ultrasound technology that uses controlled acoustic cavitation to homogenize targeted tissue. We assessed local and systemic effects after histotripsy treatment with the Vortx RX® system in a canine model. The system was not approved for human use at the time of the study. Histotripsy was applied in 10 intact male dogs. The therapy transducer (36 elements, 700 kHz and 11 cm focal distance) delivered acoustic bursts (3 cycles and 500 Hz pulse repetition frequency) transabdominally to the prostate for 60 minutes. Tissue and systemic response were assessed by transrectal ultrasound, cystoscopy and interval evaluation of blood and urine parameters. Prostates were harvested on postoperative day 2 in 2 dogs and on postoperative day 28 in 8. A treatment cavity was apparent in each prostate on transrectal ultrasound and cystoscopy. Mean prostate volume decreased 36% (range 19% to 53%) by postoperative day 28. Although clinical symptoms were not produced, notable pathological findings at necropsy consisted of rectal wall muscle degeneration in 2 animals and concern for a potential histotripsy effect and 1 cm diameter areas of fibrosis in the abdominal rectus muscle in 2 animals suggestive of thermal injury along the acoustic propagation path to the prostate. Extracorporeal application of histotripsy produced prostate debulking in all dogs. Pathological findings of collateral injury are of concern since this may represent suboptimal confinement of cavitation or heating of overlying tissue. Further study is under way to quantify the prefocal thermal fields to eliminate these effects before human application.

Effect of age at gonadectomy on the probability of dogs becoming overweight

To determine whether gonadectomy or age at gonadectomy was associated with the risk that dogs would subsequently become overweight. Retrospective cohort study. 1,930 dogs gonadectomized between 1998 and 2001 at ≤ 6 months of age (n = 782), > 6 months to ≤ 1 year of age (861), or > 1 to ≤ 5 years of age (287) and 1,669 sexually intact dogs. Dogs were followed-up through medical records for ≥ 10 years or until a diagnosis of overweight (defined as overweight, obese, or having a body condition score ≥ 4/5) was recorded. Information extracted included age at study entry, sex, breed, breed-size category, hospital visit frequency, and diagnosis (yes or no) of overweight or diseases that might affect body condition. Relative risk of a diagnosis of overweight was assessed among age groups of gonadectomized dogs and between gonadectomized and sexually intact dogs. No difference was detected among dogs grouped according to age at gonadectomy with respect to the risk of being overweight. This risk was significantly greater in gonadectomized dogs than in sexually intact dogs, but only during the first 2 years after gonadectomy. Sexually intact male dogs were approximately 40% less likely to have this diagnosis (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.52 to 0.72) than were sexually intact female dogs; no difference in risk between the sexes was evident for gonadectomized dogs. Gonadectomized dogs had a greater risk of being overweight than did sexually intact dogs, but this risk was not influenced by age at gonadectomy. Opportunities exist for veterinarians to provide counseling during the first years after gonadectomy to help dogs maintain a healthy weight.