Comparative evaluation of diagnostic methods for subclinical benign prostatic hyperplasia in intact breeding male dogs

Simple Summary Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition in older intact male dogs, and it is often initially lacking in noticeable clinical signs. Due to this asymptomatic nature, it is frequently overlooked in clinical practice. Our study aimed to develop a simplified non-invasive examination plan for the early detection of subclinical benign prostatic hyperplasia in older intact dogs. We established a clinical rectal-scoring system and new diagnostic thresholds using non-invasive methods such as ultrasonography and analysis of canine prostatic-specific esterase from blood serum samples. Our study revealed elevated values of canine prostatic-specific esterase, increased prostatic volume, and higher values of prostatic artery vascular velocities in dogs with subclinical BPH. Additionally, we found a positive relationship between prostatic volume and the age and weight of the dogs. In summary, our findings indicate that multiple non-invasive examinations can aid in identifying or suspecting early stages of BPH based not only on proposed new thresholds for prostatic volume and canine prostatic-specific esterase, but also elevated prostatic artery vascular velocities, changes in size, shape, and echostructure of the prostate gland, and differences in rectal examination. This information enables practitioners' timely intervention, preventing the progression of prostatic manifestations.Abstract Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an androgen-related non-neoplastic enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly affects both reproductive capabilities and the general health of intact dogs. The subclinical form of BPH can be challenging to diagnose due to a lack of clinical signs, even if rectal palpation is performed. Left untreated, this condition poses risks to the dogs' health and breeding status. This study, involving 65 male dogs, aimed to investigate subclinical BPH through rectal palpation, ultrasonography, and analysis of canine prostatic-specific esterase (CPSE). Of the participants, 35 had subclinical BPH, and 30 served as a healthy control group. Dogs suspected of subclinical BPH, as determined by examination results from ultrasonography and CPSE analysis, underwent fine needle aspiration (FNA) guided by ultrasound to enhance diagnostic precision. Findings revealed distinct differences in rectal palpation and ultrasonography between subclinical BPH and healthy dogs. This study established diagnostic thresholds based on prostatic volume and