Use of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of prostatic cysts in dogs

Abnormalities of the canine prostate gland, in particular, benign hyperplasia and cysts, are frequent in dogs over 5 years of age. Treatment strategies for dogs with prostatic cysts include ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage with alcohol sclerotherapy, reduction surgery, and omentalization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of prostatic cysts in dogs. Ten mixed breed adult male dogs were included in the study. Percutaneous drainage was performed prior to ultrasound-guided PRP injection with a 21G spinal needle. The PRP dose contained half of the solution drained from the cyst. Follow-ups were performed 6, 12, 24, and 60 d after treatment. Ten prostatic cysts were successfully treated with PRP after the ultrasound-guided drainage of the cystic cavities. No side effects were observed during the procedures. After the introduction of PRP, cysts detected by ultrasound appeared hypoechoic. On the sixth day, the hypoechoic appearance was maintained and margins were still identifiable. At 24-day and 60-day follow-ups, cysts were no longer detectable by ultrasound. One of the ten dogs had to be euthanized because of the presence of a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm of the oral cavity (fibroblastic sarcoma) and histological examination of serial sections of the prostate gland was performed. Histologic evaluation 1 year after treatment showed a regression of the cystic lesion injected with PRP. The therapy, which uses PRP injection in combination with ultrasound-guided drainage, can be considered a safe and effective strategy for the treatment of prostatic cysts in dogs.