Testicular Cancer In Dogs Signs And Symptoms
Testicular cancer in dogs signs and symptoms – Cancer is considered one of the most common tumors in dogs old male intact (unneutered). The overall incidence in dogs is not very high due to a large number of dogs that are castrated. However, in intact male dogs, these tumors are considered fairly common. The tumors are usually fairly easy to recognize and diagnose. Treatment consists of castration and is usually curative.
Dogs are at risk for developing testicular cancer? Handle the most common cancer in intact dogs old male (unneutered). Testicular cancer in dogs – However, it can occur in men who are intact of all ages. There does not appear to be any predilection of the breed for this tumor. The cause of the current handling of the tumor is not known. Dogs that have one or both testicles are not descended (cryptorchid) are 13 times more likely to develop testicular cancer is an than a dog with normal testicles. In addition to an increased risk of this tumor in the dog is cryptorchid, no other risk factors readily apparent.
There are different types of cancer to deal with? Testicular cancer in dogs – There are three types of testicular tumors are common: Sertoli cell tumors, seminomas, and interstitial cell tumors. Although there are differences in the types of tumors, they are often treated the same and which are therefore often lumped together as testicular tumors.
What Are The Symptoms of Testicular Cancer in Dogs?
Sertoli cell tumors show symptoms such as swelling of the testicles and scrotum. If the dog is cryptorchid, the swelling will occur in the inguinal or abdomen depending on the location of the testes. Up to 50% of the Sertoli cell tumors will produce estrogen and the dog will have symptoms of hyperestrogenism. These include an enlarged prostate gland, enlarged mammary glands and nipples, symmetrical hair loss, anemia, and a tendency to attract a male dog. Tumors of the Sertoli cells can metastasize to the stomach, lung, thymus, and brain, however, this occurs in less than 15% of cases.
Seminomas will also appear as a swelling of the testes, scrotum, and inguinal or abdominal. Seminomas produce estrogen or metastasize in less than 5% of the reported cases. Interstitial cell tumors show symptoms of very little and do not produce estrogen or metastasize. Testicular cancer in dogs – They are usually incidental findings and are not considered as much of a problem.
How cancer handle in a dog diagnosed? The Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination, and pathological identification through a biopsy or microscopic examination of the tumor removed. The dog allegedly handle the tumor should also have abdominal and chest x-ray to check for metastasis as well as a chemistry panel and blood count (CBC).
What is the treatment for testicular tumors in dogs? Treatment usually consists of surgical castration. Because of the success of the removal of the testes and low levels of metastasis, castration is often the only treatments necessary. Some dogs have been treated successfully with chemotherapy and a dog that has metastases, chemotherapy is sometimes recommended.
What is the prognosis for dogs that develop testicular tumors? The Prognosis for a dog with testicular cancer treated is usually very good. The low rate of metastasis makes surgical castration a very successful and curative in most. Testicular cancer in dogs – Dogs that develop hyperestrogenism from Sertoli cell tumors will often have a regression of symptoms, once the tumor has been removed. In hyperestrogenism severe resulting in anemia, some animals may require transfusions and more aggressive treatment. The Prognosis for testicular tumors that have metastatic more guarded and the outcome varies depending on the location, type, and treatment.
Testicular tumors are easily prevented through routine castration of male dog. Castration in young dogs prevents aggression, roaming, marking the urine, and a variety of male behavior other that is not desirable. The operation is safe and relatively inexpensive and in the long term save money the owner. Dogs used for breeding can be castrated when they are no longer used for breeding. Dogs that are cryptorchid should always be neutered and owners must assert that both testicles are removed. Because cryptorchidism is considered an inherited trait, cryptorchid dogs should not be used for breeding. Because the testicles retained 13 times more likely to develop tumors, it should always be removed. Testicular cancer in dogs – Cancer is easily prevented, and with good castration, the policy can be virtually eliminated from a population of dogs.