Volume 2025, Issue 1 9593213
Research Article
Open Access

Development of a Model for Predicting Enlarged Prostate Size in Noncastrated Dogs Through B-Mode Ultrasound

Guillermo Cazzuli

Corresponding Author

Guillermo Cazzuli

Departamento de Clínicas y Hospital Veterinario , Facultad de Veterinaria , Universidad de la República , Montevideo , Uruguay , universidad.edu.uy

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Juan Pablo Damián

Juan Pablo Damián

Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias , Facultad de Veterinaria , Universidad de la República , Montevideo , Uruguay , universidad.edu.uy

Núcleo de Bienestar Animal , Facultad de Veterinaria , Universidad de la República , Montevideo , Uruguay , universidad.edu.uy

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Paula Pessina

Paula Pessina

Departamento de Clínicas y Hospital Veterinario , Facultad de Veterinaria , Universidad de la República , Montevideo , Uruguay , universidad.edu.uy

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Gonzalo Suárez

Gonzalo Suárez

Departamento de Clínicas y Hospital Veterinario , Facultad de Veterinaria , Universidad de la República , Montevideo , Uruguay , universidad.edu.uy

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First published: 21 July 2025
Academic Editor: Carlos Viegas

Abstract

The prostate in noncastrated male dogs typically experiences an increase in weight and size as they age, which can result in the development of prostatic disorders. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate disorder in these dogs. The purpose of this study was to develop a model that could differentiate between dogs with normal prostate sizes and those with enlarged prostate sizes. To achieve this, the researchers evaluated prostate sizes and volumes estimated by B-mode ultrasound in healthy noncastrated dogs and dogs with BPH, considering factors such as weight, age, aorta diameter, and the presence of intraparenchymal cysts. Two hundred and sixty noncastrated male dogs of various breeds were used, with two hundred and thirty-three dogs in the healthy group and twenty-seven dogs in the BPH group. Data on breed, body weight, and age were collected for each dog, and B-mode ultrasound was performed to obtain prostate variables of length, width, and average height, as well as the presence/absence of intraparenchymal cysts and aorta diameter. All variables presented differences between groups except aorta diameter. All dogs with BPH were older than 6 years (p < 0.001), with a higher percentage of prostate cysts (p < 0.001) and larger prostate volumes than healthy dogs (81 ± 41 cm3 vs. 22 ± 15 cm3, p < 0.001). The outcomes of this research resulted in the creation of a model that can precisely (98.1%), sensitively (88.9%), and distinctly differentiate between healthy, noncastrated dogs and those with BPH by considering several factors, including body weight, age, aorta diameter, and the existence of intraparenchymal cysts.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Data Availability Statement

The corresponding author can provide the data that support the findings of this study upon reasonable request.

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