Cases of dogs with Sertoli cell tumors were seen more frequently early in my career when male dogs were less often routinely castrated.
Sertoli cell tumors are a testicular tumor in dogs that are typically found in undescended testicles (a testicle that has not normally descended into the scrotum and are still located within the abdominal cavity). They are usually diagnosed in older male dogs.
The changes that occur in male dogs with Sertoli cell tumors are due to the fact that these tumors produce female hormones. Interestingly, these male dogs start to exhibit female characteristics and behaviors:
- The dog’s penis may shrink in size.
- Abnormal breast development often occurs.
- These male dogs also assume a female position when urinating.
- Affected dogs may actually attract male dogs as if they are in heat.
The diagnosis is made by the owner describing the feminization characteristics and behaviors, physical exam confirming the changes, and x-ray or ultrasound to confirm the presence of an abdominal tumor.
Treatment is basically surgical removal of both the abdominal testicle as well as the descended scrotal testicle, which usually results in a complete reversal of the feminization process. The prognosis is excellent as long as surgery occurs before the tumor has spread.
East Bare Hill Road resident Fred Karotkin is a veterinarian.
