Testicular Tumors: A Common Male Dog Health Problem
Several different forms of testicular tumors exist. They are usually easy to spot and diagnose. Testicular tumors are more commonly experience by unneutered dogs and castration is the usual form of treatment. Sometimes tumors occur when one or both testicles have not descended.
Information about common testicular tumors:
- Sertoli tumor - This is a swelling of the testicular and scrotal area. Many sertoli cell tumors will produce estrogen resulting in an enlarged prostate, and swelling of the mammary glands and nipples.
- Seminomas will also appear as swellings of the testicle, scrotum and the abdominal wall.
- Cryptorchid - Depending on the location of the testicle, may cause swelling in the dog's abdominal area.
- Perianal tumors - These are stimulated by the male hormone testosterone and occur near the anus. Perianal tumors usually arise in dogs at approximately 7 years of age.
Male Dog Prostate Problems
Prostate conditions are commonly experienced by unneutered dogs. A large percentage of these dogs develop prostate disease including cysts, enlargements and infections.
- Prostatic and paraprostatic cysts - When a dog gets a large cyst in or around his prostate gland he feels pressure and usually shows signs of discomfort. If it gets large enough it can cause him pain. In most cases, the cyst needs to be removed surgically. Some vets will recommend neutering even after the cyst has been removed to prevent further problems.
- Prostate cancer - Neutering does not rule out the fact that some dogs can still get prostate cancer. The prostate gland becomes enlarged and your dog may experience pain and fever. The cancer may also spread to your dog's other organs.
- Prostatitis - This condition occurs from a bacterial infection in the prostate gland. Your dog will be treated with a round of antibiotics.
Other complications:
- Pain during urination
- Inflammation
- Discomfort in the hind legs
- A blood infection known as septicemia
- Penis-Related Dog Health Problems
- Bleeding from the penis - This happens when a male dog has an injury to his penis or another area relating to the urinary tract. Such conditions can cause blood or hemorrhaging from the penal area. In some instances, it is due to prostate disease or an enlarged gland. In some cases, dogs may have small amounts of blood in their penises that is quite normal. This happens if your dog is near a female in heat and he becomes overly excited.
Penis unable to retract - A dog's penis is unable to retract when his bulbous glands become engorged outside of the prepuce (the hairy external layer of the penis). When a dog's penis is unable to pull back from its sheath, it may cause further problems if left untreated.
Treatment and care:
- Head to an emergency veterinary facility; or get a prompt appointment with your regular vet
- Dog may have to be anesthetized
- A procedure to lubricate and move the prepuce is administered
- A surgical widening of the opening may be necessary