Testicular tumors in dogs: frequency and age distribution

Ultrasound-Based Technologies for the Evaluation of Testicles in the Dog: Keystones and Breakthroughs

Ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool extensively used in the andrology of human and domestic animals, including dogs. This review aims to provide an overview of various technologies based on ultrasound, from the basic B-Mode ultrasonography to the more recent advancements, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and ultrasound elastography (UEl), all of which are utilized in the evaluation of canine testicles. The review outlines the principles behind each of these technologies and discusses their application in assessing normal and abnormal testicular conditions. B-mode canine testicular ultrasonography primarily focuses on detecting focal lesions but has limitations in terms of objectivity. Other technologies, including Doppler ultrasonography, B-Flow, and CEUS, allow for the characterization of vascular patterns, which could be further measured using specific applications like spectral Doppler or quantitative CEUS. Additionally, ultrasound elastography enables the assessment of parenchyma stiffness both qualitatively and quantitatively. These ultrasound-based technologies play a crucial role in andrology by providing valuable information for evaluating testicular function and integrity, aiding in the identification of pathological conditions that may impact the health and quality of life of male dogs.

Metastatic Sertoli cell tumour in a captive giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

There are a few studies on diseases of anteaters, but reports on reproductive lesions and neoplasms of these animals are scarce. This is the first report of a case of metastatic Sertoli cell tumour in a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). The animal had renal lesions associated with impaired renal function as indicated by serum biochemistry. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations provided a conclusive diagnosis of Sertoli cell tumour with metastasis to the liver, kidneys and lymph nodes.

Sertoli Cell Tumor (SCT) in a Captive Black Bear (Ursus americanus)

A black bear of 29-year-old (Ursus americanus) died unexpectedly in captivity without any gross lesions or clinical signs. We identified a firm, lobulated, yellowish tan, and well-circumscribed mass embedded inside the testicular tissue at the time of necropsy. The tumor sections exhibited soft necrotic and hemorrhagic areas beneath its capsule. Histologically, the tumor comprised Sertoli cells arranged in tubules and solid sheets supported by prominent fibrous connective tissues. The Sertoli cells were positive for vimentin and ER-β expression, whereas it showed negative staining for inhibin-α, cytokeratin 19, and S-100. To the best of our knowledge, this is the rare case report of testicular Sertoli cell tumor in black bear.

A comprehensive study of disorder of sex development in Staffordshire bull terrier dog

An 8-month-old female Staffordshire bull terrier was clinically examined because of external sexual organs abnormality-clitoral hypertrophy. As stated by the owner, the female dog had not been in heat yet. Serum profile of testosterone (3.39 ng/ml), as well as an anti-Műllerian hormone (24.0 ng/ml), suggested the presence of testicular tissue. On the contrary, the estimated level of 17β-oestradiol (24.6 pg/ml) was approximately two times higher when compared with the normal anoestrus values (5-10 pg/ml). A midline laparotomy was performed to detect the cranial parts of the genital system. Gonads resembling testicle or ovotestis (left) and hypoplastic testicle (right) was visible. Cranial portion of gonads was attached to structures indicative of bilateral epididymidis. The next tubular structures-oviducts were resected along with adherent parts of a hypoplastic uterus. Histological evaluation confirmed that the examined gonad samples were testicles with modified interstitial testicular tissue. Hypertrophy of interstitial space was predominantly formed by Leydig cells. Examination of a cross-section through the head of suspected epididymidis confirmed their characteristic structures. In addition, the characteristic configuration of the oviducts was presented. The uterus consisted of three walls, in which the endometrium was hypoplastic with the presence of endometrial glands. No Y chromosome was detected by chromosomal analysis using CFA Y probe and the amplification of SRY-gene coding region (813 bp) indicated genotype 78, XX; SRY-negative. Sequencing of SOX9 gene exons 1-3 did not reveal any differences in exon 1 and 3. On the contrary, a few changes were determined in the SOX9 exon 2 sequences: G instead of A at position 103; C instead of reference T at position 115; GCG instead of reference CGC at position 138-140; T instead of reference C at positions 161, 164 and 167.

Canine testicular tumours: a study on 232 dogs

The aim of this study was to provide an up-to-date estimate of the prevalence of canine testicular tumours, an earlier study (reported in 1962) having found a prevalence of 16%. Histological examination of both testes collected at necropsy from 232 dogs revealed that 62 (27%) had one or more testicular tumours, the total number of tumours identified being 110. Of these, 55 were interstitial cell tumours, 46 were seminomas, and nine were Sertoli cell tumours. The results suggest that, as reported in man, testicular tumours in dogs have increased during the past 40 years. Further studies should investigate the possible causative role of environmental pollutants.