Clinical features of tumors of the testis in dogs

In the present study an overview of the literature is given with respect to classification, incidence, predisposing factors, tendency of metastatic sp read, general symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of tumors of the t estis in dogs. Testicular neoplasms are the second most frequent tumor type (5-15 %) in male dogs. Seminomas, Sertoli cell tumors and Leydig cell tumo rs are most common. The average age of the affected dogs is 9 to 11 years. Boxers, German shepherd dogs, Toy and miniature poodles seem to be predispo sed. An important predisposing factor is cryptorchidism, where the tumor ri sk is increased 14fold. The specifity of diagnosis upon palpation is low. U ltrasound is the most important additional diagnostic procedure. General cl inical symptoms such as feminization, alterations of the skin or prostate, and oestrogen-induced bone marrow hypoplasia are rarely seen. Even in cases of neoplasia of only one testis, bilateral orchidectomy is indicated. Prog nosis is good after complete resection of the tumor due to the low metastas izing rate of testicular neoplasms (Sertoli cell tumors: 3 %, seminomas: 6 %).