Testicular cancer, while not a widespread concern among the canine population, is a significant health issue for older intact male dogs. Castration has greatly reduced the overall incidence of this type of cancer, but it remains a prevalent issue for those who haven’t undergone the procedure.
Which Dogs are at Risk?
Unneutered, older male dogs are most susceptible to testicular cancer, although it can affect any intact male regardless of age. Interestingly, there’s no clear breed predisposition, and the exact cause remains a mystery. However, dogs with undescended testicles, a condition known as cryptorchidism, face a 13-fold increased risk of developing cancer in the affected testicle. Apart from this, no other risk factors have been identified.
Types of Testicular Cancers
Veterinary medicine recognizes three primary types of testicular tumors in dogs: Sertoli cell tumors, seminomas, and interstitial cell tumors. Despite their differences, these tumors are often grouped together due to similar treatment approaches.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Sertoli cell tumors are characterized by swelling in the testicular and scrotal regions, or in the inguinal or abdominal area for cryptorchid dogs. These tumors can produce estrogen, leading to symptoms such as an enlarged prostate, mammary glands, hair loss, anemia, and unusual attraction to other male dogs. Metastasis to the abdomen, lungs, thymus, or brain is rare, occurring in less than 15% of cases.
Seminomas also present as swellings but are less likely to produce estrogen or metastasize, with less than 5% of cases showing such complications.
Interstitial cell tumors are typically asymptomatic, do not produce estrogen, and rarely metastasize, often being discovered incidentally.
Diagnosis and Testing
Diagnosing testicular cancer involves a combination of history, physical examination, and pathological analysis through biopsy or microscopic examination of the tumor. Suspect dogs should also undergo abdominal and chest x-rays to check for metastasis, along with a chemistry panel and a complete blood count (CBC).
Treatment Options
Treatment typically involves surgical castration, which is often curative due to the low rate of metastasis. In some cases, chemotherapy may be used, particularly when metastasis is present.
Prognosis and Outcomes
The prognosis for dogs treated for testicular cancer is generally positive, with surgical castration proving successful in most instances. Dogs with hyperestrogenism from Sertoli cell tumors often see symptom regression after tumor removal. In severe cases, additional treatments like transfusions may be necessary. The outlook for tumors that have metastasized is less optimistic and varies based on the specifics of the case.
Prevention is Key
Testicular cancer can be easily prevented, and with good castration policies, it could be virtually eliminated from the canine population.
Routine castration of male dogs is the best prevention method. It not only prevents testicular tumors but also curbs unwanted behaviors like aggression and roaming. The procedure is safe, cost-effective, and a long-term money-saver for pet owners. Even breeding dogs can be castrated once they’re no longer needed for reproduction. Cryptorchid dogs should always be castrated, with both testicles removed to eliminate the heightened risk of cancer. Breeding should be avoided in cryptorchid dogs due to the hereditary nature of the condition.