Surgical treatment and outcome of sterile prostatic cysts in dogs

Abstract

Objective: To describe the surgical treatment and outcome of a large cohort of dogs with sterile prostatic cysts (PCs).

Study design: Retrospective study.

Animals: Forty-four client-owned dogs.

Methods: Dogs with sterile PCs with at least 6 months of follow-up were included. Clinical variables, type of surgery, complications, recurrences, and outcomes (telephonic interviews or rechecks) were recorded.

Results: Extra- and intraparenchymal cysts were diagnosed in 29 and 11 dogs, respectively. Four dogs had both types. Extraparenchymal cysts were treated by partial resection and omentalization (n = 22) and complete resection (n = 7). Drainage and intracapsular omentalization were performed in all dogs with intraparenchymal cysts. The four dogs with both types of cyst were treated by omentalization. Resolution was documented in 39/44 dogs (88.6%). Intraoperative complications occurred in one dog (urethral tear). Major complications resulting in death occurred in three dogs (oliguric kidney injury, cardiac arrhythmia, and persisting urinary tract obstruction). Minor complications (n = 10) consisted of temporary urinary incontinence (n = 2), permanent urinary incontinence (n = 5), urinary retention (n = 2), and dysuria (n = 1). Recurrence occurred in two dogs with extraparenchymal cysts. Median long-term follow-up was 528 days (range, 250-730 days). Thirty-nine dogs had no signs associated with prostatic disease at long-term follow-up.

Conclusion: Partial or complete resection and/or omentalization of sterile PCs led to resolution of clinical signs in most dogs, although postoperative urinary incontinence was frequent.

Impact: This study is the largest case series relative to canine sterile PCs treated surgically and provides evidence on the prognosis and rate of complications.