Reproductive System Tumours
Testicular, ovarian, uterine, and transmissible venereal tumours.
What is Reproductive System Tumours?
Reproductive tumours are largely preventable with timely spay/neuter. Testicular tumours are common in intact senior males and are usually cured with castration. Ovarian and uterine tumours are uncommon in spayed females. Transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) is a sexually transmitted cancer seen mainly in unneutered free-roaming populations.
Common signs and symptoms
Signs vary between dogs and can be subtle at first. Watch for the following, especially if several appear together or persist for more than a few days:
- Testicular: enlarged, asymmetric, or firm testicle; sometimes feminisation signs (nipple enlargement, coat changes) from Sertoli cell tumour
- Ovarian: abdominal distension, prolonged or abnormal heat cycles
- Uterine: vaginal discharge, straining
- TVT: cauliflower-like genital mass that bleeds
Risk factors
Certain dogs are more predisposed. Understanding risk helps you screen earlier and act sooner.
- Intact adult and senior dogs
- Cryptorchid (retained testicle) males have much higher testicular cancer risk
When to see a vet
Use this as general triage guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Book a routine appointment if: any change in testicular size or shape, or abnormal reproductive discharge.
- Seek urgent care if: severe bleeding from a genital mass or signs of systemic illness.
Diagnosis and management
Surgical removal (castration, spay) is curative for most reproductive tumours. TVT responds very well to vincristine chemotherapy.