Canine Cancer - Testicular Tumors
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| Characteristics / Terms | Hemangiosarcoma | Lymphoma |
| Histiocytomas | Mammary Tumors | Testicular Tumors |
| Mast Cell Tumors | Bone Cancer |
Testicular Tumors in Dogs
Testicular tumors are considered one of the most common tumors in older intact (unneutered) male dogs. The overall incidence in dogs is not very high because of the large number of dogs that are castrated. However, in intact male dogs, these tumors are considered fairly common. The tumors are usually fairly easy to recognize and diagnose. Treatment is castration; this is usually sufficient to eliminate the disease.
Dogs At Risk
Testicular tumors are most common in intact (unneutered) older male dogs. However, they can occur in intact males of any age. There does not appear to be any breed predilection for this tumor, and the cause of testicular tumors is unknown. Dogs that have one or both testicles that are not descended (cryptorchid) are 13 times more likely to develop a tumor in the undescended testicle than dogs with normal testicles. Except for the increased risk of these tumors in cryptorchid dogs, no other risk factors are readily apparent.
Types of Canine Testicular Tumors
There are three common types of testicular tumors: Sertoli cell tumors, seminomas, and interstitial cell tumors. While there are differences in the types of tumors, they are often treated similarly and are therefore commonly lumped together as testicular tumors.
Symptoms
Sertoli cell tumors show symptoms of swelling of the testicular and scrotal area. Approximately half of Sertoli cell tumors produce estrogen. In that case, the dog suffers symptoms of hyperestrogenism. The symptoms include an enlarged prostate gland, enlarged mammary glands and nipples, symmetrical hair loss, anemia, and the tendency to attract other male dogs. Sertoli cell tumors may metastasize to the abdomen, lung, thymus, and brain; however, this occurs in less than a quarter of cases.
Diagnosis
Based on history, presentation, and most of all pathological identification through a biopsy or microscopic examination of the removed tumor. Dogs suspected of a testicular tumor should also have abdominal and chest X-rays to check for metastasis as well as a chemistry panel and a blood count.
Prognosis
For dogs with treated testicular cancer, the prognosis is usually very good. The low rate of metastasis makes surgical castration very successful and curative in most dogs. Dogs that develop hyperestrogenism from Sertoli cell tumors often have a regression of symptoms once the tumor has been removed. In severe hyperestrogenism that results in anemia, some animals may need transfusions and more aggressive treatment. The prognosis for testicular tumors that have metastasized is more guarded and the outcome varies widely depending on location, type, and treatment.
Prevention of Canine Testicular Tumors
Testicular tumors are easily prevented through routine castration of male dogs. Castration in young dogs prevents aggression, roaming, urine marking, and a variety of other unsavory male behaviors. Castration is safe and relatively inexpensive, and in the long run saves the owner money.
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