Testicular Cancer In Dogs

Testicular cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, in older unneutered male dogs. Neutering your dog is the only way to completely eliminate the possibility of getting testicular cancer, although neutering is known to increase the chances of getting other types of cancer. Fortunately, dogs that get testicular cancer and are treated, have a very good prognosis.

Testicular cancer has a very low rate of metastasis, and 85% of dogs diagnosed can simply get neutered to get rid of all the cancer. Your veterinarian can check to see if the cancer has spread with blood work and x-rays. The remaining 15% of dogs diagnosed with testicular cancer, may need chemotherapy to fight cancer cells that have spread. If left untreated, the cancer may spread to the lymph nodes, abdomen, lung, and brain. On a side note, dogs that have undescended testicles (cryptorchids), are 13 times more likely to get testicular cancer.

The most common sign to look out for are testicles that are swollen, or uneven in size. If you opt out of routine neutering, make sure to examine your dog regularly. That way if he does get testicular cancer, you will catch it early.