Canine prostatic disease: diagnosis methods/Metodos de diagnostico para deteccao de prostatopatias caninas

Prostatic diseases are common in older dogs, developing after sexual maturity. The most common affecting canine prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although less frequent, prostatic neoplasias are highly malignant, and a late diagnosis is closely associated with a poor prognosis. The main methods of diagnosis of the canine prostatic disease include a detailed clinical exam, ultrasound, prostatic fine-needle aspirate and biopsy. Studies towards early diagnosis of this condition are crucial for effective treatment and improvement of quality of life of affected animals. The use of biomarkers has been studied for early detection of the disease, avoiding possible complications in clinical patients.