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Did you know that male dogs that are not neutered run a higher risk of getting testicular cancer? According to PetEducation.com, “Testicular cancer is considered one of the most common tumors in older intact (unneutered) male dogs.”
While it is the most common cancer older unneutured males can get, it can affect any intact dog at any age.
VetInfo.com states that there are three types of testicular tumors dogs can get:
- Seminomas, which can cause swelling in the scrotum, testicles or abdomen
- Interstitial cell tumors, which typically do not spread
- Sertoli cell tumors, which are the most serious as they can cause a range of symptoms and spread to other organs and body parts
What Are the Symptoms of Testicular Cancer in Dogs?
The symptoms your dog presents with will depend on the tumor he develops. More than half of Sertoli tumors produce estrogen, which causes your dog to demonstrate additional symptoms of a disease known as hyperestrogenism. This disease is especially prevalent in dogs with undescended testicles.
“They’ll develop an enlarged prostate, enlarged nipples and mammary glands and may become anemic. They may lose hair from both sides of their bodies, in the same pattern. These dogs could become sexually attractive to other dogs of the same gender. Sertoli cell tumors can, in rare cases, spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs and brain,” states VetInfo.com.
Seminoma tumors can also produce estrogen and cause the same symptoms seen in hyperestrogenism, as previously mentioned. Luckily, the chance of this type of tumor spreading to other parts of the body is only about 5 percent.
Interstitial cell tumors normally don’t cause any symptoms at all. If they do, they are almost always mild. This type of tumors are usually discovered in the course of a routine examination, and most vets don’t consider interstitial cell tumors to be a serious condition.
VetInfo.com notes that your dog may show the following symptoms of testicular cancer:
- Constantly needs to urinate
- Thirstier than usual
- Blood in urine
- Problems urinating
- Swollen groin area
- Paying extra attention to the groin area
- Noticeable growth in the groin area
- Change in behavior and personality
If you notice these or any other symptom, please take your dog to the vet right away.
What is the Cause of Testicular Cancer in Dogs?
At this time, there is no known cause or breed predisposed to testicular cancer. However, as previously stated, it is most often seen in unneutered dogs.
How Is Testicular Cancer in Dogs Diagnosed?
Your vet will do a complete physical exam as well as a battery of tests including a blood count, and abdominal and testicular X-rays. He will also perform a biopsy, as well as a chemistry panel.
How is Testicular Cancer in Dogs Treated?
Your vet will remove your dog’s testicles, which should cure your dog of testicular cancer.
VetInfo.com writes, “Canine testicular tumors don’t often spread to the rest of the body, so treatment is generally as simple as surgical castration. In 85 to 95 percent of cases, castration is the only treatment necessary for testicular tumors in dogs.”
What is the Prognosis for Dogs with Testicular Cancer?
The prognosis is very good.
PetEducation.com says, “The low rate of metastasis makes surgical castration very successful and curative in most dogs. Dogs that develop hyperestrogenism from Sertoli cell tumors will often have a regression of symptoms, once the tumor has been removed. In severe hyperestrogenism that results in anemia, some animals may require 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.”
Can Testicular Cancer in Dogs Be Prevented?
Testicular cancer can be prevented by neutering your dog. This will also prevent a whole host of problems often seen in male dogs like roaming and aggression. Neutering will also keep your male dog from having prostate issues later in life.
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Find A Vet HOW TO articles are intended for informational purposes only. You should always consult with your veterinarian about any health issues affecting your dog.
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