Canine testicular tumors: epidemiologic features of 410 dogs

Histologically confirmed testicular tumors were diagnosed in 410 dogs from 12 North American veterinary university hospitals and clinics. Three tumor-cell types, Sertoli cell tumor, interstitial cell tumor and seminoma, were about equally represented. Several breeds were identified with high risk for different testicular tumor-cell types. Cytogenetic and immunogenetic studies of these dog families could offer leads applicable to familial testicular cancer in man. The multiplicity of breeds within the series suggests that, as in man, other factors, in addition to hereditary, play a role in etiology. Cryptorchid dogs appear to have a 13.6 times higher risk of testicular tumor than normal dogs. Additionally, male dogs with an inguinal hernia have an increased risk (4.7) of testis tumors. There were no detectable excesses of other urogenital anomalies or urogenital tumors among the series. The Shetland Sheepdog is suggested as an appropriate model for research into the mechanisms responsible for testicular maldescent and tumorigenesis.