TESTICULAR-TUMORS IN DOGS - A REVIEW

The incidence of testicular tumours in dogs is higher than in other sp ecies. The main three types are: Sertoli cell tumour, seminoma, and Le ydig cell tumour. Metastases are rare. Sertoli cell tumours, and to a lesser extent Leydig cell tumours, are often associated with feminizat ion, which occurs in 19% and 5% of cases, respectively. Seminomas are rarely associated with feminization. Feminization seems to be the resu lt of an excessive oestrogen production by the tumour. In severe cases this may lead to bone marrow depression. Atrophy of the contralateral testis is a common finding. It is not clear whether this is a result of feminization or of age because most tumours occur in older dogs. By investigating the morphology, of the testis, and the endocrinological and fertility status of the dog this phenomena is hopefully going to be explained. Extra attention is given to the pathogenesis of feminiza tion.