Dog Testicle Cancer Causes, Treatments

Older, unneutered dogs are prone to testicular cancer and these are fairly common in male dogs although one need not worry as castration usually cures the dog of this condition.



Testicular cancer causes in dogs is fairly unknown although dogs with undescended testicles are more at risk as compared to dogs with fully descended testicles. Canine testicular tumors that can be cancerous are of three kinds: sertoli cell tumors, interstitial cell tumors and seminomas.  Sertoli cell tumors are symptomised by a swelling of the scrotal sacs and the testicles. The prostate gland becomes enlarged and so do the mammary glands and nipples.



Anaemia may occur along with hair loss and a tendency to attract other male dogs. This tumor can turn cancerous and spread to the abdomen, thymus, the lungs and even the brain. But this is rare and occurs in less than 20 percent of the cases.



Interstitial tumors are not much of a problem as there is no oestrogen production as in the case of sertoli cell tumors. Seminomas will involve the swelling of the testicles and scrotum which may extend to the abdominal area. Oestrogen production may occur but the likelihood is less than 5 percent of the reported cases.

Testicular cancer treatment in dog first involves diagnosis and this is done by an examination by the veterinarian who will need to know the history of the dog and pathological findings are based on an examination of the removed tumor under a microscope or by conducting a biopsy. In case there is a suspicion of canine testicular cancer, a chest and abdominal x-ray will be required to look out for metastasis of the tumor. The veterinarian is also likely to insist on a blood count and a chemistry panel for further results and to diagnose the extent of the disease. Dog testicular cancer treatment is primarily castration and in most cases it stops with that. However, if it has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy will be recommended. And chemotherapy treatment has been successful in several cases. In the case of sertoli cell tumors and seminomas, once the tumor has been removed the oestrogen production goes down considerably. But if the animal has been suffering from anaemia due to increased oestrogen production, a more severe course of treatment may be required which may include blood transfusions. One way to prevent canine testicular cancer is to neuter the dogs early on in life and this will also bring down their aggression levels and help in the long run.