What is Testicular Cancer in Dogs? How Can it Be Treated?

Finding out that your dog has testicular cancer is no doubt one of the most challenging experiences that you may have as a pet parent. Just like other cancers affecting canines, this serious health issue is going to affect your dog's quality of life in a very significant way.

If we're being honest, it could be extremely tricky for you to help your canine companion overcome this wellness problem if you don't have the right information on this disease. And this is the biggest reason why we've put together this blog post.

Besides giving you an overview of what testicular cancer is, we're also going to share what its clinical signs are, the possible risk factors, as well as other important details that you should know. Moreover, we will also fill you in on how this disease is diagnosed, and the treatment options that you can go for.

We are pet parents sharing our know-how on keeping animals healthy and happy

As a group of professionals and animal lovers, we here at Zumalka are dedicated to helping thousands of people worldwide find the information they need to deal with their pet’s health concerns. We hope to put our 20 years of experience in the industry to work for you!

We hope you’re able to find everything you need to know about testicular cancer in dogs in this article. In our complete guide to dog cancer, you can find more details about the various cancers affecting dogs.

What Is Testicular Cancer In Dogs?

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer that affects unneutered male dogs or "intact males."

As many as one in four dogs can be prone to this disease. However, since most male dogs are already neutered when they are still quite young, this disease is only prevalent among intact male dogs and may affect one or both testicles.

There are many different types of cancer that can affect the testicles. They can include hemangiomas, granulosa cell tumors, teratomas, sarcomas, embryonal carcinomas, and those affecting the lymph nodes. More often than not, these cancers often stem from malignant tumors.

Testicular Tumors that Can Progress to Canine Cancer

On the other hand, there are three (3) types of canine testicular tumours that are highly likely to develop cancer possibilities, which are as follows:

• Sertoli cell tumors, which affect the Sertoli cells that facilitate sperm production and the formation of the testis

• Leydig cell tumors, which have an impact on the Leydig cells that are in charge of producing androgens and testosterone in male dogs (they are also known as interstitial cell tumors)

• Seminomas, which are completely made up of germ cells (such as in the case of embryonal carcinoma) tend to grow and spread more slowly compared to non-seminoma germ cell tumors (NSGCT)

It is crucial to remember that dogs developing testicular tumors do not automatically mean they will have cancer sooner or later. While it is true that there are particularly aggressive testicular tumors, most types of testicular tumors typically remain as such and won't progress into cancer.

Additionally, the most common testicular tumors rarely spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. This simply means that finding a lump on your dog's testicles doesn't automatically signify there is a tumor present.

Are Testicular Tumors in Dogs the Same as Testicular Cancer?

The short answer is no.

It is very important to keep in mind that testicular tumors in dogs are not one and the same as canine testicular cancer. Just to give a quick distinction between a testicular tumor and cancer, the former has to do with the formation of abnormal mass, while the latter involves the proliferation of abnormal cells.

Interstitial cell tumors

Just to reiterate, interstitial cell tumors disrupt the cells that create testosterone and androgen. They are also referred to as Leydig cell tumors and are not associated with undescended testicles or cryptorchid pets in any way. The bone marrow is rarely affected as well.

Sertoli cell tumors

As emphasized earlier, Sertoli cell tumors affect the cells that produce sperm. However, these cells can also produce estrogen—and sometimes excess estrogen leading to a condition called "hyperestrogenism." Additionally, one of the most prominent indicators of hyperestrogenism is nipple elongation.

Do Dogs with Testicular Tumors Show the Same Symptoms as Cancer?

The short answer is no.

What's rather alarming about testicular tumors in dogs is that most male canines affected with it may not show any signs of this health issue at all. However, it is not uncommon that dogs with testicular tumors may experience pain and discomfort due to the masses in the gonad areas.

We'd just like to stress that while most testicular tumors rarely spread and develop into cancer, there is a higher risk of the latter if the tumor is not immediately and properly dealt with. If we're being honest, most cancers often arise from a tumor that has been overlooked or ignored.

Do Testicular Cancers Only Happen to Intact Male Dogs?

The short answer is yes.

Regardless of the tumor type—whether it's an interstitial cell tumor or a Sertoli cell tumor—testicular tumor cells will only appear in dogs that are unneutered or intact males. While other male dogs may be more resilient against this health problem, most canines can be potentially affected by the same, including those having undescended testicles.

Having undescended testicles is actually one of the risk factors to consider when it comes to providing the care and protection your dog deserves as regards testicular tumors and cancers. So long as your male dog is unneutered or intact, he may eventually develop or have an increased risk of tumors affecting the testicles.

What Are The Causes of Testicular Cancer In Dogs?

While it’s difficult to determine any singular cause for testicular cancer, there are certain factors that increase the risk of developing this cancer. Dogs that are not neutered are much more likely to develop testicular cancer, as well as certain breeds, such as German Shepherds, Boxers, and Afghan Hounds. 

As we pointed out earlier, if your dog has undescended testicles (one or both testicles are in the abdomen instead of descending into the scrotum), this increases his risk of developing Leydig cell tumors. In fact, tumors that develop in undescended testicles are much more likely to be malignant or cancerous. 

It is also noteworthy that older dogs (specifically 10 years old up) are more susceptible to common tumors, as well as health issues like bone marrow disease, kidney issues, joint and mobility difficulties, as well as problems with other organs.

What Are The Clinical Signs of Testicular Cancer in a Male Dog?

While many dogs don’t show any specific symptoms, below you will find the most common symptoms of canine testicular cancer:

• A lump or swelling on your dog’s testicles

• Unevenly sized testicles

• Pain in the groin

• Infertility (particularly in proven breeding studs)

• Hair loss

• Weight loss

Sertoli cell tumors can sometimes produce estrogen, a female hormone, in excessive amounts. Because of this anomaly, dogs with this type of testicular tumor can sometimes show signs such as:

• Decreased sex drive

• Lowered testicle size

• Unexpected growth of mammary glands

• Darkening of the skin

Diagnosis of Testicular Cancers in Male Dogs

When it comes to testicular cancer or tumors, the most common way to determine the existence of the same is through a physical examination. In most dogs, the physical exam may also involve fine needle aspiration to check local tissues, measurement of white blood cell levels, and rectal examination.

As regards a tumor type that can be tricky to work with, other procedures like scrotal ultrasound, advanced imaging, and further sampling may be resorted to. This is often administered when slow-growing tumors are concerned.

How to Treat Testicular Cancer in Dogs

Contrary to popular belief, dealing with testicular tumors and cancer is not just about going for conventional and rather invasive options like surgical removal and radiation therapy, among others.

Although it’s rare for testicular tumors to spread (less than 15% of these tumors spread to other areas), if your vet notices signs that the cancer has spread, he/she might recommend chemotherapy and/or radiation as well.

There are actually natural treatments that you can choose to support your dog during this health crisis.

If you’re faced with the decision of what treatment options to pursue, we know that can be a very difficult and challenging decision! Of course, you have lots of information to carefully consider, as well as your dog’s specific circumstances. 

PIPTOPET: A Natural Premium Product for Testicular Cancer in Dogs

No matter what treatment you choose to pursue, we here at Zumalka are pet lovers and pet advocates, who want the best for your pet, just like you do! We are committed to providing natural products that support your dog to face a variety of health concerns, including cancer.

We have used our years of expertise and knowledge to create PIPTOPET, a natural product specially designed to optimize your pup's health during cancer. This product can be used not only when cancer is present, but also to use before cancer is present or for future occurrences of cancer as well!

Made with a medicinal mushroom with anti-tumor properties, this product works hard to boost the immune system. A good immune system is a great tool during the fight against cancerous cells. You can have peace of mind knowing that PIPTOPET can be used on its own for short and long-term use, in addition to other treatment options, such as chemotherapy.

About the author

Suzie Cyrenne

HOMEOPATH & CO-FOUNDER OF ZUMALKA

Suzie Cyrenne has dedicated more than 20 years of her life in making and improving natural animal health solutions in the global setting.

Being the co-founder of Zumalka, Suzie is a forerunner in enhancing the lives of pets through natural and homeopathic options using the knowledge she has gained from the Classical Homeopathy School in Quebec.

Through the guidance of her mother-in-law and fellow natural health expert, Denyse Lessard, Suzie constantly devotes herself to create premium pet products that are aimed at dealing with the root causes of wellness problems and not just their symptoms.

Besides immersing herself in books, personal development and visiting new places, Suzie also enjoys keeping herself in tiptop shape by snowboarding and taking daily hikes with her husband and Zumalka co-founder, Matt Lessard, and their Golden-Doodle, Westin.

Find out more about Suzie when you click HERE.