Canine Leydigocitoma: ultrasonographic, cytological and histopathological aspects

Abstract

In non-neutered dogs, the testis is the second most common site for development of neoplasms, frequently occurring in elderly animals and with orchiectomy as main treatment. Regarding the great relevance of testicular disorders and the importance of accurate diagnoses, this study aims to report a case of canine leydigocytoma at the Veterinary Hospital in the State University of Ceará. The 10-years-old non-neutered Pitbull-breed animal was attended presenting hematuria and, physical examination showed a bilateral nodular formation in testicles in addition to an enlarged prostate. In ultrasonographic examination, the prostate was enlarged, presenting irregular shape and heterogeneous echotexture. These changes indicate the presence of prostatic hyperplasia. Both testicles presented well-defined hypoechogenic regions with evident marginal and internal vascularization, which indicate neoplastic neoformation. In cytology, a hypercellular epithelial sample was observed with cellular modifications suggestive of interstitial cell neoplasia. In the lab, macroscopically, the testis showed multiple soft, well-defined, white-colored to brownish nodules. Histopathology revealed neoplastic proliferation of Leydig cells, sustained by moderate fibrovascular stroma, with degenerated adjacent parenchyma and without signs of malignancy. Four months after orchiectomy, the prostate turned to normal dimensions, with no further ultrasonographic changes. This case reinforces the importance of bilateral orchiectomy and ultrasound for prostatic abnormalities and testicular neoplasms. The association of these conditions is not commonly described in the literature, being an important contribution in this regard.