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Basics ⬇

Basics

Overview

Sex cord stromal tumor of the testicle arising from the spermatic germinal epithelium.

Signalment

  • Median age, 10 years.
  • Boxer, German Shepherd, Afghan hound, Weimaraner, Shetland sheepdog, Collie, and Maltese may be at increased risk.
  • 33–52% of all testicular tumors in dogs, extremely rare in cats.

Signs

  • Usually none.
  • Fertility issues in breeding dogs.
  • 4–20% of dogs will have more than one type of testicular tumor.
  • Up to 50% of dogs will have bilateral tumors, only 12% of contralateral tumors will be palpable.

Causes & Risk Factors

Cryptorchidism

Diagnosis ⬆ ⬇

Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis

  • Sertoli cell tumor
  • Interstitial (Leydig cell) cell tumor

CBC/Biochemistry/Urinalysis

Usually normal unless hormone productive and consequent male feminization syndrome.

Imaging

  • Testicular sonography may aid in differential diagnosis.
  • Abdominal sonography for retained testicles and to evaluate for concurrent malignancies.

Diagnostic Procedures

N/A

Treatment ⬆ ⬇

Treatment

Medications ⬆ ⬇

Medications

Drug(s)

None reported in dogs.

Follow-Up ⬆ ⬇

Follow-Up

Prevention/Avoidance

Castration at a young age

Possible Complications

None likely

Expected Course and Prognosis

Bilateral orchiectomy and scrotal ablation are often curative. Reported rate of region or distant metastasis <15%.

Miscellaneous ⬆

Miscellaneous

Associated Conditions

  • Prostate disease
  • Perianal adenoma
  • Perineal hernia

Author Shawna L. Klahn

Consulting Editor Timothy M. Fan

Acknowledgment The author and editors acknowledge the prior contribution of Wallace B. Morrison.

Suggested Reading

Grieco V, Riccardi E, Greppi GF, et al. Canine testicular tumours: a study on 232 dogs. J Comp Pathol 2008, 138(2–3):86–89.

Lawrence JA, Saba C. Tumors of the Male Reproductive System. In: Withrow SJ, ed., Small Animal Clinical Oncology. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders, 2013, pp. 557–571.

Morrison WB. Cancers of the reproductive tract. In: Morrison WB, ed., Cancer in Dogs and Cats: Medical and Surgical Management. Jackson, WY: Teton NewMedia, 2002, pp. 555–564.