What should you know about testicular cancer in dogs treatment?

A testicular tumour in a dog can be benign or malignant, and different tumour types behave differently. The veterinarian may examine both testicles, lymph nodes, and the abdomen, then recommend blood tests or imaging. The removed tissue can be examined to identify the tumour and help decide whether more treatment is needed.

Signs may include an enlarged or uneven testicle, swelling, discomfort, changes in behaviour, or hormone-related changes. These signs do not identify the tumour type on their own. A dog’s age, other illnesses, anaesthetic risk, and breeding status also affect the plan.

Testicle removal surgery is often the main treatment and may also prevent hormone-related problems. Your veterinarian may discuss whether both testicles should be removed and how the operation affects fertility. If preserving breeding potential matters, ask about fertility preservation before surgery, although this may not be suitable or available for every dog.

Chemotherapy may be considered when a tumour has features suggesting spread or when cancer is found beyond the testicle. Radiotherapy is used in selected situations. Veterinary oncology teams tailor medicines, monitoring, and comfort measures to the dog rather than applying a human treatment plan.

Contact a veterinarian promptly for rapid swelling, severe pain, vomiting, collapse, difficulty breathing, inability to urinate, or marked weakness. After surgery, call for persistent bleeding, wound opening, worsening swelling, fever, repeated vomiting, or refusal of water. Do not give human pain medicines unless a veterinarian specifically prescribes them.

What type of tumour is suspected? Should both testicles be removed? Will tissue be sent for examination? Is staging or imaging needed? Could chemotherapy or radiotherapy help? What pain relief, activity limits, and wound checks will be needed at home?