
Jump to section
Testicular tumors are common in canines. Tumors are often seen in dogs who have one or both testicles undescended, which is known as cryptorchidism. Studies have proven that canines with cryptorchidism are predisposed to testicular neoplasia. Sertoli cell cancer in dogs who have the condition of undescended testicles is associated with 60% of documented cancer cases. There are also other factors that may contribute to Sertoli cell cancer, like injury to the testicles and exposure to toxins. As well, there is a breed disposition to testicular cancer in dogs, and further predisposition to each type of this cancer (Sertoli cell, Interstitial, and Seminoma). Cure and resolution are possible, but early and aggressive treatment is imperative. If your pet is acting as if he is ill, or if you notice an irregular growth or mass on your pet, be certain to make an appointment with your veterinarian.
In the testes, the Sertoli cells function within the seminiferous tubules, aiding in testicle formation. In addition, they nourish the spermatozoa. A Sertoli cell tumor expands and grows, destroying the surrounding organ tissue.
Testicular Tumor (Sertoli Cell) Average Cost
From 48 quotes ranging from $400 - $1,200
Average Cost
$750
A canine who has developed a Sertoli cell cancer of the testicle may exhibit the following signs of the condition.
Types
There is a breed predisposition to testicular cancer. Specifically, Airedale Terriers, Weimaraners, Pekingese, Shetland Sheepdogs, Fox Terriers, Norwegian Elkhounds, and West Highland White Terriers are prone to the Sertoli cell testicular tumors.
Top
As in humans, the exact reason why our pets develop cancer is unknown. What is known is that there are factors that can contribute to the growth of cancerous cells.
Top
When you bring your pet to the veterinary clinic, the visit will begin with a physical examination including a palpation of the scrotum and a rectal exam to check the lymph nodes in that region, as well as the prostate. While the veterinarian is performing the physical part of the diagnostic procedure it is a good time to discuss symptoms that you may have seen in your pet. Any changes you have noticed in your canine’s regular day to day activities, variations in appetite, or other signs that have led you to suspect that your dog is ill are important and helpful for the veterinary team to know.
Standard testing that can provide an insight to your pet’s health condition are blood tests and urinalysis. There may be a presence of blood in the urine. Markers in the blood that will indicate a problem are anemia, leukopenia (decrease in white blood cells), increased estrogen levels, and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Your veterinarian may want to see a sperm sample because abnormalities will be another indication that testicular cancer is a possibility.
Radiographs (X-rays) of the chest and abdomen may be ordered, in addition to ultrasonography of the testes (to look for irregularities). An ultrasound of the abdomen could also reveal that the testes are not descended and may be seen in the inguinal canal or the abdominal cavity. Finally, there could be a need for needle aspiration or biopsy, though these tests may be done only if absolutely necessary as they are rather invasive.
Top
The treatment for a testicular tumor involving the Sertoli cell is removal of one or both of the testicles. This method of treatment has been documented as the most effective way to eradicate the cancer and is called an orchiectomy. If the cancer has not metastasized, the prognosis for your pet is good. The signs of feminization that accompany this type of tumor will most likely regress within 4 to 8 weeks. If it does not improve by 4 to 5 months, this could indicate a metastatic spread that was not evident previously.
Top
Your furry family member has a good chance of recovery but keep in mind that he will need special care when he returns home the hospital. Instructions may vary depending on what type of surgery he had (for example inguinal testes removal or straightforward castration). Your pet will have to rest and go on leash walks only, in order to protect the site of the surgery and to prevent postoperative bleeding. You will need to keep the area clean and check daily for signs of bleeding or swelling. Your veterinarian may recommend that your dog wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent him from licking the surgical area. Pain medication and anti-inflammatories will be prescribed to keep your pet comfortable and in a good state of mind enabling him to rest over the next several days. Contact your veterinarian with any concerns that you may have about the incision, or if you have questions about his recovery throughout the convalescence process.
Top
*Wag! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Items are sold by the retailer, not Wag!.
Testicular Tumor (Sertoli Cell) Average Cost
From 48 quotes ranging from $400 - $1,200
Average Cost
$750
Top
Ask a Vet
Miley
pitbull
8 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Hi, my dog has enlarged inguinal testical and showed hyperpigmentation and symmetrical hair loss. May I know will the skin issue resolved after castration if the skin issue is caused by the effect of hormonal changes due to testicular tumor? Thanks!
May 16, 2018
Miley's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Some skin problems are caused by sex hormones, and may resolve after castration. Some skin issues are unrelated. It will be a matter of having the surgery and seeing if the skin problems resolve. I hope that all goes well for Miley.
May 16, 2018
Was this experience helpful?
Pacman
Pit bull
10 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
My pitbull formed an oreo size sertoli cell tumor on his testicle and I wanted to know how painful he's in any pain? He seems fine and he eats so much and he's still very active for a 10 yr old doggie. I want to take him in to see a Vet Doctor but they are closed. What type of temporary relief medication can I give him?
Feb. 9, 2018
Pacman's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Without seeing Pacman, I can't recommend any treatment for the lesion that you are worried about. If he is eating and drinking, not bothering with the lesion, and seems fine otherwise, he should be fine until you can get him in to see a veterinarian. It is Friday, and most veterinary clinics are open today - if your clinic is closed, they should have an after-hours contact if you feel that he really needs to be seen. I hope that everything goes well for him.
Feb. 9, 2018
Was this experience helpful?
Monty
Labrador Retriever
13 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Our 13 yr old Lab has been diagnosed with Sertoli Tumor, and advised us to have him castrated. He's in reasonably good health for his age, (except arthritis and some joint stiffness) and seems to have a little dementia. We are afraid the surgery might be too much for him. The question is, what if we don't do the surgery? At his age will it make a difference?
July 26, 2017
Monty's Owner
0 Recommendations
There is an increased risk of complications when older dogs are anaesthetised; but with modern anaesthetics and pre surgery blood test, these risks may be mitigated. The tumour is locally invasive and may cause feminisation. The choice to operate is yours, but I would recommend it. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
Was this experience helpful?
Cupid
Shih Tzu
2 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My dog has a sertoli tumor that is sticking from his rear,it’s fairly large for his size. He ways about 4 pounds and is very skinny to a point we’re you can see his ribs. The vet is unfortunately to expensive and I’m not sure what to feed him at this point. He barely eats boiled chicken and I don’t know what to feed him at this point. I don’t want him to die in such a sickened state. Would my best option be to give him to a shelter?
Testicular Tumor (Sertoli Cell) Average Cost
From 48 quotes ranging from $400 - $1,200
Average Cost
$750
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
Security