Imaging of the Small Animal Male Reproductive System

Abstract
Although radiography is useful in some instances to diagnose enlargement of the prostate, the cause of enlargement is not always obvious. It may also be difficult to determine whether a caudoventral opacity is the bladder or prostate. Ultrasonography can help differentiate between bladder and prostate and can characterize disease conditions within the prostate such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, abscesses, cysts, and neoplasia. Additionally, ultrasonography can be used to evaluate the kidneys, ureters, urethra, and lymph nodes which may be affected. Testicular lesions can also be evaluated with ultrasound. Radiography should be used to check for pulmonary metastasis when neoplasia is suspected.

Normal male
On radiography, the prostate gland of an intact mature male is usually found cranial to the pelvic floor on the lateral projection. On the ventrodorsal projection, care should be taken to include the pelvic region, looking for the edge of the pubic bone, not the ilial wings to avoid exposing the radiograph too far cranially. The prostate is usually not visible in immature males or males that have been neutered at a young age. […]