Owners of older male dogs should keep watch for changes in health and behavior.
Testicular cancer can affect male dogs of any age, but often affects older, unneutered male dogs. Fortunately, dogs who are diagnosed with testicular cancer have a good prognosis. Understanding the signs and treatment of testicular cancer is important for owners of male dogs.
Causes
The causes of testicular cancer are currently unknown. However, dogs with an undescended testicle are 13 times more likely to develop a testicular cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of canine testicular cancer include an enlarged prostate, swelling of the testicles, difference in size of testicles, hyperestrogenism (excessive estrogen production), lameness and swelling of the abdominal area.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing testicular cancer can often be done with by a physical exam. However, the veterinarian may perform several additional tests such as blood tests, a chemistry panel and a biopsy of affected tissues to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treating testicular cancer in dogs involves surgical removal of the testicles (neutering). In cases where spreading of the cancer (metastasis) has occurred, chemotherapy may be recommended.
Prevention
Neutering a male dog at an early age or neutering male dogs when they are no longer used for breeding, can greatly reduce the chance of developing canine testicular cancer.
Tags: male dogs, testicular cancer, canine testicular, canine testicular cancer, testicular cancer