Testicular cancer in dogs is an unusual condition. The majority of canine pets in the United States are immune to this disease entirely; this is because those pets are neutered. Male dogs that have been neutered are at no risk of getting testicular cancer. However, male dogs that have not been neutered at some point in their lives will be much more likely to develop cancer of the testes. In fact, this type of cancer is one of the most common for older male dogs that have not been neutered.
Testicular Cancer Overview
Testicular cancer in dogs is divided into three different types. These types are classified according to the parts of the testes that they affect, as well as other characteristics of the tumors themselves. Although they are different in some ways, these three types of cancer are similar enough to one another that they are usually treated in the same manner. These different types of cancer will display somewhat different symptoms as well.
Testicular Cancer Symptoms
The most common symptoms associated with testicular cancer include the following:
- Swelling of the testicular area
- Enlarged mammary glands and nipples
- Hair loss
- Tangible growths in the testes
Of the three types of testicular cancer, sertoli cell tumors are the most difficult to treat, although they have the largest number of visible symptoms. These cancers are also the most dangerous, because they tend to metastasize and spread to other parts of your dog's body more readily than other types of cancers will.
If you notice these or any other potential symptoms of testicular cancer in your male dog, regardless of his age, make a note of the symptoms that you see and take your pet in to the vet for immediate inspection and diagnosis.
Diagnosing Testicular Cancer
After your vet analyzes your pet's symptoms, he'll determine how to proceed with a diagnosis based on the type of cancer that he suspects. In most cases, a biopsy of your pet's testes will be most helpful in determining the nature of his condition. A chemistry panel and full blood count will be helpful in identifying the condition as cancer as well. Finally, your vet may recommend a series of x-rays to help determine the nature of the condition.
Treating Testicular Cancer
The treatment of your dog's testicular cancer will depend upon how severe your vet thinks that the situation is. Because some types of testicular cancer in dogs do not tend to spread to other parts of his body, oftentimes the situation can be moderated entirely through castration. This is the most common treatment.
The prognosis for most dogs with testicular cancer is quite good, provided that the cancer is detected early on and before it has had a chance to spread. Treatment is usually relatively easy to do and is similar to a neutering procedure. However, it's crucial to your pet's prognosis and survival that you be vigilant in monitoring him for the symptoms of this condition, particularly as he gets older.