Animal Cancer Update - Tumours of the Canine Male Reproductive Tract

Testicular cancer

Fortunately, testicular cancer in dogs is usually much less aggressive than in man. For the majority of dogs, surgical removal of the tumour is curative. Whilst many people are uncomfortable with the idea of castrating a pet, we all have a duty to safeguard our pet’s health, and castration is kinder than cancer. In general, this surgery will not change your dog’s behaviour other than reducing dominance aggression (but not territorial or protective aggression). Castrated dogs only put on weight if overfed. In most instances, referral is not required; your own veterinarian is usually the best person to perform this procedure.

In some instances, these tumours can spread elsewhere. Evidence of lymph node enlargement or the results from the laboratory that examine the tumour after surgery may suggest that more than surgery is necessary. In this case, your veterinarian will advise referral to an oncologist to discuss treatment of the cancer. Medication can do a lot to keep your dog comfortable and generally doesn’t cause any illness itself.

Finally, some testicular cancers can produce the female hormone, oestrogen. This produces skin changes and hair loss, but can also cause serious damage to the bone marrow that may be irreversible. A blood test will detect the marrow injury rapidly.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common reason for a castrated dog to have a large prostate. Castration does not prevent prostate cancer in dogs, and does not slow it down once it has developed. Prostate cancer in dogs can respond very well to cancer drugs. The result is not cure, but often a dog with normal quality of life for another year or two. Surgery can sometimes help but will cause urinary incontinence; any benefits are for the short term as the cancer has usually spread before detection. There are several ways that many of the symptoms of prostate cancer in dogs can be eased with various medications.