Testicular Tumor (Seminoma) in Dogs

Benign Tumor of Testis in Dogs

Seminoma is a unilateral, single, often benign (not recurrent or progressive) tumor of the testis; however, malignant forms of the tumor have been reported in rare cases. It is the second most common tumor of the testis in male dogs, typically affecting older dogs (over the age of four). Typically measuring less than two centimeters in diameter, a seminoma often causes no clinical symptoms in the affected dog and is therefore difficult to identify.

Symptoms and Types

Although seminomas rarely causes any clinical symptoms in the animal, some dogs exhibit pain due to pressure from the growing tumor. In a few cases, the testicular mass can be palpapated. Even rarer still, some tumors can become malignant and metastasize to other parts of the body.

Causes

Seminomas develop due to cryptorchidism, a fetal abnormality which occurs when one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum from where they develop in the abdomen.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, searching for a testicular mass and whether or not it is palpable. Dogs with a seminoma may exhibit pain or abnormally large testis. Typically, laboratory tests such as complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis are within normal ranges, although an ultrasound of the testicular tissue may reveal a mass. In these cases, your veterinarian may recommend performing a tissue biopsy of the testicular mass for further evaluation. If this is not possible, castration may be required to confirm the diagnosis.