Computed tomography imaging of the prostate gland in the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Six sexually mature and healthy male New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), at the age of 18 months, with body mass 2.8 - 3.2 kg, were used in this imaging study. Using computed tomography, the pelvis was transversally cut from the transversal plane between the first and the second sacral vertebra, with cut thickness of 2 mm. The prostate gland is a substantial soft tissue finding, situated dorsolaterally against the prostatic urethra. The prostate is located between the vesiculous (cranially) and bulbourethral glands (caudally). A rabbit's prostate gland is visualized as an oval, heterogeneous, relatively hyperdensc structure against the surrounding soft tissues (with exception of the rectal wall). It was observed by us on the transversal scan of the pelvis through the second sacral vertebra (dorsally), coxofemoral joints (laterally) and from the ramus cranialis of the pubic bones (ventrally). Its borders are well differentiated from the adjacent soft tissue structures. The results of computed tomography imaging of the rabbit's prostate gland could be used as a background in the diagnostics and interpretation of prostatic disorders in this species, as well as in the use of the rabbit as an animal model for investigation of human prostatic lesions.