An immunohistochemical prostate cell identification key indicates that aging shifts procollagen 1A1 production from myofibroblasts to fibroblasts in dogs prone to prostate-related urinary dysfunction

Relevance of dog as an animal model for urologic diseases

We utilize animal models in urologic research to improve understanding of urinary physiology, determine the etiology of many urologic diseases, and discover and test novel therapeutic interventions. Dogs have a similar urinary tract anatomy and physiology to human and they develop many urologic diseases spontaneously. This chapter offers detailed comparisons of urinary tract anatomy, physiology, and the most common urologic diseases between humans and dogs. Dogs offer a unique opportunity for urologic research because they can be studied in research colonies and in client owned cohorts. Dogs also are among a limited number of non-human species that require continence and socially appropriate urinary behaviors (ex. going to the bathroom outside, training to not have submissive urination, etc.). These features make dogs unique in the animal kingdom and make them an ideal animal model for urologic research.

A retrospective review of canine benign prostatic hyperplasia with and without prostatitis

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostatic disorder in older intact male dogs, but despite its prevalence, there are inconsistencies in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Although prostate size was historically considered the hallmark feature of BPH in men, currently, there is only a weak correlation between prostate size and clinical severity. We performed a retrospective cohort study with the primary objective of assessing clinical signs, ultrasonographic findings, treatments, and outcomes in dogs diagnosed with BPH, with and without concurrent prostatitis. We reviewed medical records and obtained data on presenting signs, prostatic imaging, and prevalence of concurrent bacteriuria. Prostate size was determined by ultrasonography and compared to the calculated expected size based on patient age and weight. Treatment and outcome were described for the cases with a minimum 2 months follow-up. Median age of dogs diagnosed with BPH was 8 years. Clinical signs were present in 16/25 dogs and scored as mild to moderate (median Zambelli's Symptom Index for BPH score 12). The median prostatic volume to body mass ratio was 1.60 mm³/kg. Prostate size did not correlate with the symptom severity. Concurrent bacteriuria was confirmed in 4/25 cases via bacterial culture and/or cytology. Treatments pursued and responses were only available in a subpopulation of dogs (n = 9) and were highly variable. Studies are needed to determine if current treatment options for BPH in dogs resolve associated clinical signs in addition to reducing prostate size.