Up to 14 percent sertoli cell tumors in dogs are malignant and will metastasize to

surrounding lymph nodes in the body and other organs

Feminization syndrome
abnormal breast development
female position to urinate
interstitial cell tumor

The most common primary testicular neoplasms seminoma, sustentacular

(Sertoli) cell tumor, and interstitial (Leydig) cell tumor occur with approximately
equal frequency
one third of all cases of Sertoli cell tumor are hormonally productive, and may be
associated with signs of hyperestrogenism such as feminization, gynecomastia,
symmetrical alopecia, bone marrow atrophy, squamous metaplasia of the
prostate, and atrophy of the contralateral testicle. 2
27% of male dogs develop testicular tumors
Among dog breeds, increased risk reported in the boxer, German shepherd,
Afghan hound, Weimaraner, and Shetland sheepdog. 9 The most consistent risk
factor for the development of testicular tumors appears to be cryptorchidism.

Sex-Cord Stromal Tumors, (2) Germ Cell Tumors, (3) Mixed Tumors, and (4) Miscellaneous
Tumors.
Sertoli cell tumors, interstitial (Leydig) cell tumors, and seminomas are the three
most common tumors. Seminomas (42%) and interstitial cell tumors (50%) are
most common with sertoli cell tumors being the least common (8%). About one
third of dogs that develop a tumor will have more that one of these types of
tumors present. Other types of testicular tumors (i.e. embryonal carcinoma,
lipoma, fibroma, hemangioma, chondroma, teratoma) can occur, but are rare.
Sertoli cell tumors, interstitial (Leydig) cell tumors, and seminomas are the three
most common tumors. Seminomas (42%) and interstitial cell tumors (50%) are
most common with sertoli cell tumors being the least common (8%). About one
third of dogs that develop a tumor will have more that one of these types of
tumors present. Other types of testicular tumors (i.e. embryonal carcinoma,
lipoma, fibroma, hemangioma, chondroma, teratoma) can occur, but are rare.

Veterinary Pathology Anatomic Clerkship Program

Tumors of Dog Testis

Bethany Sabatino, DVM and Jagannatha Mysore, MVSc, PhD, DACVP
Class of 2007 (Sabatino), College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University and Department of
Pathology (Mysore), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7388

Introduction
Primary testicular neoplasms are common in dogs greater than 6 years old, with a mean age at diagnosis of
10 years.7 The most common primary testicular neoplasms seminoma, sustentacular (Sertoli) cell tumor,
and interstitial (Leydig) cell tumor occur with approximately equal frequency.3 Metastases is uncommon,
particularly in Leydig cell tumors.1 Approximately one third of all cases of Sertoli cell tumor are
hormonally productive, and may be associated with signs of hyperestrogenism such as feminization,
gynecomastia, symmetrical alopecia, bone marrow atrophy, squamous metaplasia of the prostate, and
atrophy of the contralateral testicle.2 Other testicular neoplasms are rarely hormonally productive.
Testicular neoplasms may be unilateral or bilateral, and are often mixed-origin, especially in cryptorchid
testicles.2
Signalment and Risk Factors
As with most neoplastic diseases, testicular tumors are most common in older animals. The mean age at
diagnosis is reportedly 10 years old, with increased risk in dogs greater than 6 years old. Among dog
breeds, increased risk reported in the boxer, German shepherd, Afghan hound, Weimaraner, and Shetland
sheepdog.9 The most consistent risk factor for the development of testicular tumors appears to be
cryptorchidism.
Classification
Primary testicular tumors can be grossly and histologically classified into four main groups according to
their origin: (1) Sex-Cord Stromal Tumors, (2) Germ Cell Tumors, (3) Mixed Tumors, and (4)
Miscellaneous Tumors.

(1) Sex-Cord Stromal Tumors are derived from sustentacular (Sertoli) or interstitial (Leydig) cells. The
normal function of these cells is to provide structural and physiological support to nearby gametocytes.
Sex-Cord Stromal Testicular Tumors - Sustentacular (Sertoli) Cell tumors
Normal Sertoli Cell Physiology
Structurally, Sertoli cells with contractile myoid cells form a series of tight junctions which aid in the
formation of the blood-testis barrier, an important immunoregulating layer.3 In addition to providing
structural support, Sertoli cells produce several hormones involved in the regulation of normal reproductive
physiology. The most notable hormones produced by Sertoli cells are estrogen, inhibin, and Mullerian
inhibiting hormone (MIH).3
Clinical Syndromes Associated with Sertoli Cell Tumors

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