Testicular tumours are the most common neoplasms of the male canine reproductive tract and are found mostly in older intact dogs. Three types make up more than 95% of them: Sertoli cell tumour, interstitial (Leydig) cell tumour and seminoma. Most are benign and cured by orchiectomy; the exam focus is the cryptorchid dog with a feminizing Sertoli cell tumour and the estrogen-induced bone marrow toxicity that can kill him.
Key facts
Testicular tumors (Sertoli cell tumor, interstitial cell tumor, seminoma) at a glance- Species and system: intact male dogs; reproductive system (with skin and bone marrow effects).
- Types: Sertoli cell tumour and interstitial (Leydig) cell tumour (sex cord-stromal), and seminoma (germ cell). More than one type can occur in the same dog.
- Who: mean age at diagnosis about 10 years; risk rises in scrotal testes after 7 to 8 years; cryptorchid dogs at any adult age, from as early as 10 months.
- Main risk factors: age (the most important) and cryptorchidism (relative risk 9.2 and 13.6 in two epidemiological studies); retained testes develop mainly Sertoli cell tumours and seminomas.
- Classic presentation: an older cryptorchid dog with symmetrical alopecia, gynecomastia, a pendulous prepuce and attraction of other males; or an incidental firm testicular nodule in an older intact dog.
- Danger: estrogen myelotoxicity, with thrombocytopenia, non-regenerative anaemia and leukopenia.
- Treatment: orchiectomy; supportive care and transfusion for marrow toxicity.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 3 tables, 3 figures, 3 self-test questions and 12 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
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