ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE PROSTATE IN HEALTHY INTACT DOGS

Sagittal and transverse ultrasonographic images of the prostate gland were obtained in 100 healthy adult intact male dogs. Prostatic length, width, and height on transverse and sagittal images as well as the pr esence of prostatic cysts were determined. Linear regression and corre lation analysis were performed between prostatic parameters (length, w idth, height on sagittal and transverse images, and estimated volume) and parameters related to body size (body weight, body height, left ki dney length and aortic diameter) and age of the dogs. Significant posi tive correlations were found between all prostatic parameters and para meters related to body size and age. Maximum predicted values for pros tatic parameters for a given body weight and age were determined based on the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval of the mean predict ed values, Such values should represent a useful tool for ultrasonogra phic evaluation of the prostate in the dog. Prostatic cysts were found in 14% of the dogs.