Laurusevičius, Saulius Aidas

Introduction and aim. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition frequently observed in older male dogs. Diagnosing BPH involves a multi-model approach that includes an assessment of clinical signs and history, rectal palpation, diagnostic imaging, and specific biomarkers such as canine prostatic specific enterase (CPSE) (1,2). Early diagnosis of BPH allows practitioners to offer appropriate recommendations and prognosis to dog owners. CPSE testing is considered a less invasive method compared to prostatic biopsy and is recommended for regular evaluation in intact male dogs (3,4). The aim of this study was to evaluate CPSE levels in dogs diagnosed with subclinical BPH in comparison to health male dogs, and to establish the threshold for this biomarker in terms of identifying BPH. Materials and methods. This study involved 65 intact male breeding dogs, divided into two groups. The healthy dog group consisted of 30 dogs with an average age of 3.3 years and an average weight of 39.8kg. The BPH-affected group comprised 35 male dogs with an average weight of 40.1 kg and an average age of 6.9 years. No over clinical signs of BPH were observed; diagnosis of BPH-affected dogs was based on alterations detected through rectal palpation, changes in ultrasound examinations, and elevated CPSE levels, as described by Cunto et al. and Alonge et. al. (3,4). CPSE values were measured using laser-induced fluorescence immunochromatographic assays (Speed-Reader, Virbac, France). Data analysis was performed using IMB SPSS Statistics 29.0.0.0 (241). A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to establish a cutoff value for CPSE, effectively distinguishing between subclinical BPH-affected and healthy male dogs. The analysis yielded an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 1.00 (p<0.001). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. In the healthy dog group, the mean CPSE values were 38.85+-14.55 ng/mL. In contrast, the subclinical BPH-affected male dogs exhibited mean CPSE values exceeding 203.3+-90.39 ng/mL. The results of the ROC analysis indicated that a CPSE cutoff value of 82.56 ng/mL can reliably distinguish health dogs from those affected by subclinical BPH. Conclusion. CPSE is a recommended method for prostate gland screening programs. It serves as a reliable tool for identifying subclinical BPH based on specific values, enabling veterinarians to make informed decisions for subsequent recommendations. Additionally, the CPSE levels provide valuable information about the status of the prostate gland, which can be considered in future evaluations during regular check-ups.

Introduction and aim. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related ailment frequently observed in older male dogs. While its early stages may not display explicit clinical symptoms, prostatomegaly emerges as the primary clinical indication. This emphasizes the significance of evaluating prostatic volume during ultrasonographic examinations (1). The ellipsoid formula, V=0,523xWxHxL, using ultrasonographic measurements: width (W), height (H) and length (L), facilitates this determination. In contrast, the expected prostatic volume (EPV) formula accounts for the dogs age (A) and body weight (BW), given by EPV=(0.867xBV)+(1.885xA)+15.88cm3 (2). This study aimed to evaluate prostatic volume in dogs with subclinical BPH using both formulas and to analyze the relationship between the expected prostatic volume and the volume derived from ultrasonographic dimensional measurements. Materials and methods. This study examined 35 intact male dogs with an average age of 6.9 years and an average weight of 44.6kg. Diagnosis of subclinical BPH was made based on disease related changes displayed during rectal palpation, ultrasonographic examination and CPSE levels higher than 90ng/mL. On ultrasonographic examination, the prostate glands width, length, and height were measured in transverse and longitudinal axial images, respectively. For each dimension, three consecutive measurements were obtained, and the average was computed. The measurements were determined in centimeters (cm). Prostatic volume was then estimated using both the ellipsoid body formula and the expected prostatic volume formula as previously described. Data analysis was conducted using IMB SPSS Statistics 29.0.0.0 (241). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The ellipsoid formula resulted in a mean prostatic volume of 73.87+-43.46 cm3. In contrast, the EPV formula yielded a mean measurement of 67.69+-11.02 cm3. Notably, there was no significant relationship between the two formula outcomes (p=0.258). Conclusion. In determining prostatic volume in intact male dogs, the expected prostatic volume and the measured prostatic volume using ellipsoid body formula yielded different results. Practitioners should be cautious in evaluating volume using different methods, understanding that prostatic size is not the main parameter for assessing BPH and other factors must be considered as well.

Introduction and aim. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common disease in older intact male dogs (1). Canine prostate specific esterase (CPSE) is an arginine esterase and the major secretory product of the canine prostate gland. In literature, CPSE has been described as a potentially valuable biomarker in diagnosis of BPH since its concentration is significantly higher in BPH affected dogs than in healthy intact males (2). This biomarker has been suggested as an additional diagnostic tool in veterinary practice for dog with suspicions of BPH. Our study goal was to see values of CPSE in healthy and BPH affected intact male dogs and suggest athreshold in both groups. Material and methods. 60 large and medium breed, 3 to 10 years old, private-owned, intact male dogs were included in the study. All dogs were examined clinically. None of male dogs showed any clinical signs of BPH. Also, no medical history in the past year based on reproductive tract organ disorders were presented by the owners. All examinations were performed under the request of the owners. At first, prostate glands were examined using ultrasound. Prostatic parenchyma (homogenous or heterogenous), shape (symmetrical or asymmetrical), prostatic volume and evaluation of local lymph nodes were investigated. Based on findings, the suspicion of BPH was found in 43 male dogs. Then ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration was performed in and prostate gland tissue specimens were collected using technique proposed by Kustritz et al. (3). Based on cytological findings, two study groups were formed: 28 male dogs (experimental group) were diagnosed with BPH and 15 males (control group) were healthy. Afterwards, blood samples were collected from cephalous vein and sent for CPSE analyzis on the same day. CPSE was performed with Speed™ Reader analyzer (Virbac, France). Results. Our results showed, that median CPSE values in experimental group were 155,45 ng/ml ranging from 96,53 ng/ml to 212,52 ng/ml, respectively. In contrary, these values were significantly lower in control group: median value was 23,04 ng/ml, ranging from 11,25 ng/ml to 44,42 ng/ml. Conclusion. Study results showed that CPSE is a valuable analysis in diagnosis of BPH and should be included in diagnostic plan of prostatic disorders.

Introduction. Ovarian neoplasia nowadays is rare in canine populations due to the high incidence of ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy (1). It has been estimated that the prevalence of ovarian neoplasia is 6.25% in the intact female dogs (2). An approximately 50% cases are epithelial in origin and 64% of those are malignant (3). Most of ovarian adenocarcinomas had metastasis with local carcinomatosis being the most common metastatic manifestation (4). Case description. 1,5-year Standard Poodle bitch was referred to the clinic for aroutine sterilization. According to the owner, the dog was in a good health and no clinical abnormalities were found during clinical examination. First estrus was at 8 months and the second one - at 15 months age. The duration of the cycle was within normal range. A laparoscopic surgery was chosen for the sterilization procedure. At the time of the surgery, we noticed that right ovarian bursa was filled with brown liquid and the ovary did not look normal. Left ovary and uterus were normal. It was decided to perform ovariohysterectomy. Right ovary was submitted for histopathological examination. Results showed ovarian carcinoma with infiltration into bursa. Infiltration of tumor cells into lymphatics was not noted. The dog was presented for ultra-sonographic examination 8 months later. No pathological changes were found in the right kidney and surrounding tissue. Blood morphology and biochemical parameters were within normal range. Conclusions. The ovarian tumors are often associated with clinical signs like vaginal discharge, alopecia, enlarged vulva, pyometra, cystic endometrial hyperplasia and irregular estrus (5). In this case none of these signs were observed. Although no obvious changes were seen in the uterus during surgery, it was decided perform an ovariohysterectomy having in mind the possibility of uterine metastasis. This case demonstrates the potential need of a preoperative ultrasonographical evaluation of the uterus and ovaries and might be helpful in planning operation objectives.

The prostate gland is the only accessory sex gland in male dogs. The most common prostatic disease is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Different methods of the examination in case of suspected BPH are being used in veterinary practices, whereas rectal palpation and ultrasonography have been determined as "gold-standard" [1]. Nevertheless, it has been recommended to confirm BPH by FNA tissue sample analysis [2]. However, nowadays the assessment of canine prostate-specific esterase arginase (CPSE) is used more frequently for the diagnosis of BPH [2]. Our study aim was to determine the relationship between CPSE concentrations and prostate tissue histopathological findings. 20 large breeds, intact breeding male dogs of different age were included in the study. All dogs were clinically healthy and had not been bred in the past three months. Venous blood samples were taken from each dog and sent for CPSE analysis. Prostate gland biopsies were taken by ultrasound-guided technique proposed by Kustritz et al. and evaluated by board certified pathologist [3]. Our results showed that 14 of 20 dogs were diagnosed with BPH based on histopathological results. Their CPSE mean value was 213.6 ± 16.3 ng/ml and ranged from 68.9 to 281.1 ng/ml. The healthy males mean CPSE value was 45.3 ± 5,32 ng/ml and ranged from 20,3 to 50.6 ng/ml. We recommend to perform CPSE in cases of suspected BPH and avoid invasive diagnostic methods.

Congenital morphological anomalies of the genital tract in dog are difficult to diagnose. Some of them may not cause any clinical signs and usually are diagnosed during gynecological examination of a breeding dogs when presented with fertility disorders. A 7.5-month-old French bulldog bitch was referred to the clinic because an owner noticed a masslike tissue protrusion through the vaginal vault. An enlarged clitoris was confirmed under palpation. Two weeks later the bitch came in heat – small amount of bloody discharge was noticed, and blood progesterone was 3,1 ng/ml on day 5 after the beginning of “heat”. During ultrasonography examination there was a suspicion of intraabdominal testes. The bloody discharge disappeared, and progesterone concentration dropped to basal level (<1 ng/ml) on day 8. MRI examination revealed the presence of os penis and abdominal testes just caudal to kidneys. After 2-3 weeks following signs of heat, owner noticed clitoral erection from time to time. Two months later laparoscopy was performed and two testicles and uterus masculinus were resected. Epididymis was well developed in one testis and underdeveloped on the other side. All organs were sent for histopathological examination. Results showed the uterine tissue in tubular genitalia and only testicular tissue in testes, without presence of ovarian follicles. In this case chromosomal analysis was not done but the dog was presumed to have XX karyotype. Morphological reproductive abnormalities in dogs with female XX chromosomes set can be characterized by the presence of testes or ovotestes, uterus, oviducts and enlarged clitoris [1,2]. Although no ovarian tissue was found in this case, it cannot be completely ruled out that small fragments may have been present, since animal showed signs of heat and increased level of progesterone. Serial sections of the gonads would be needed for further studies to rule out presence of ovarian tissue.

Dogs' prepuce microbiota includes genera that are common in soil, respiratory tract and faeces. The most common bacteria are Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (S. pseudintermedius), Streptococci (group G), Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) [1]. Over recent years, antimicrobial resistance has become an increasingly seriuos concern in veterinary medicine, having a large impact on canine health and welfare [2]. The objective of the study was to investigate the preputial microbiota in healthy dogs kept in different housing and to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance. Healthy dogs (n=60) were divided into three groups depending on their housting: dogs that were kept in one kennel (n=20), privately owned and indoor kept dogs (n=20), and dogs in the same shelter (n=20). Preputial samples were taken using sterile cotton swabs. [...].

Reproductive tract diseases are a growing concern among breeders and dog owners. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most challenging pathologies due to the absence of pathognomonic signs. It is also linked with unpleasant clinical symptoms such as rectal tenesmus, constipation, dischezia, and rarely dysuria [1]. Therefore, non-invasive diagnostic methods of prostatic diseases should be more appreciated in veterinary practice. Currently, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNA) or biopsy sample analysis is thought to provide a definitive diagnosis. Nevertheless, some researchers conclude, that the mean accuracy of FNA is only 0.72 [2]. Other promising indicators like canine prostate-specific esterase (CPSE) or sixth lumbar vertebra (L6) length ratios are being used more frequently. Pasikowska et al. concluded, that the prostate was hyperplastic when ratios between L6 and prostatic length (rL), width (rW), and height (rH) exceeds 3.05; 3.38 and 2.94 respectively [3]. Our study aimed to analyze prostatic dimensional values in 20 large breed dogs of different weight and age. 15 dogs were confirmed with BPH by cytology, histopathology and CPSE. Mean ratios between rH, rW and rL were 1.76 ± 0.15; 1.79 ± 0.14; 1.38 ± 0.06 respectively. A small Standard Error (ER) indicates that sample variance is low. This research concludes that rL, rW, rH can be potentially successful diagnostic tools that must be analyzed closer.

Introduction. Methicillin-resistant coagulase-positive staphylococci have become increasingly recognised as opportunistic pathogens that limit therapeutic options in companion animals. Antimicrobials, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics, are increasingly used in the treatment of pet infections. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine the antimicrobial resistance in coagulase-positive staphylococci isolated from dogs. Methods: Methods. Samples for staphylococci isolation were collected from the rectum and nasal cavity of dogs (n = 61). Staphylococci isolates have been identified using multiplex polymerase chain reaction and tested for resistance genes. Polymerase chain reaction was used to beta-lactams (blaZ) and methicillin (mecA). For all comparisons, values of p<0.05 were considered significant. Results: Strains of Staphylococcus genus were isolated from 52 dogs (85.2%). The prevalence of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (S. pseudintermedius) (45.9%) in dogs was significantly higher than Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) (6.6 %) (p<0.001). S. pseudintermedius more commonly colonized canine rectum, while S. aureus - nasal cavity. The isolates of S. aureus were less resistant to antimicrobial agents than S. pseudintermedius strains. Seven strains (22.6%) of all S. pseudintermedius isolates were identified as multidrug resistant. The strains of S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius producing beta-lactamase were more resistant to amoxicillin and penicillin G (p<0.001). Occurrence of blaZ gene in the isolated S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius was responsible for high resistance to penicillin G, ampicillin and amoxicillin. Conclusions: Isolated coagulase-resistant staphylococci strains did not show resistance to methicillin. S. pseudintermedius strains were more often multidrug-resistant compared with S. aureus strains.

Introduction. Many cases of inflammatory disease in the reproductive tract of cats are considered to be caused by infectious agents. Knowledge of identity and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of infecting bacteria is useful in diagnosing and treating reproductive disease in animals but results of cultures must be interpreted in light of the normal flora present in the tract. [1]. A variety of organisms are normal inhabitants of the vagina of cats. Common bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Streptococci (particularly group G), Proteus spp., Pateurella spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp., Bacilus spp. and Mycoplasma species [2,3]. It is still a lack of dedicated research in cat reproduction - in the proceeding books of EVSSAR congress between 1998-2015 only 15% of abstracts were devoted to cat reproduction and 85% - to dogs [3]. The aim of this study was to investigate vaginal bacterial microflora in clinically healthy cats and to examine antimicrobial susceptibility. Material and methods. The vaginal samples were taken from healthy female cats (n=77). The obtained samples were cultured aerobically on selective, special and indicator nutrition media. Bacteria were identified by biochemical and antigenic characteristics. [...].