Testicular neoplasia in the retained testicles of an intersex male dog

J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2012 Mar-Apr;48(2):118-24. doi: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-5696. Epub 2012 Jan 19.

Abstract

This case describes the presentation and management of an 8 yr old phenotypically female intersex male dog presented for evaluation of a mass in the right inguinal region. The right inguinal space was surgically explored, and a large irregular mass resembling a fully developed testicle was identified in the right vaginal tunic. A second mass resembling an atrophied, but anatomically mature testicle, was identified in the left tunic. The larger mass was identified as a Sertoli cell tumor that had replaced all normal testicular tissue. The smaller mass was identified as a testicle that contained a small intratubular seminoma. The patient was diagnosed as having a phenotypic female sex, chromosomal male sex, and a gonadal male sex. Hormone assays completed before and after the gonadectomy and mass removal document an elevation of circulating progesterone presurgically that returned to baseline by 1 mo postsurgically. The source of the progesterone was identified to be the Leydig cells of the atrophied testicle.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases / blood
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dog Diseases / surgery*
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Male
  • Phenotype
  • Progesterone / blood
  • Testicular Neoplasms / blood
  • Testicular Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Testicular Neoplasms / surgery
  • Testicular Neoplasms / veterinary*

Substances

  • Progesterone