Testicular Swelling in Dogs
Epididymitis/Orchitis is a condition in dogs where their testicles get swollen. Precisely there is a slighter difference in both of these medical terms. When we talk about testicle swelling in dogs, we generally refer to Orchitis, the inflammation of the testicles.
While Epididymitis is the inflammation of the testicle tube where the sperms are stored. This medical ailment in dogs can become chronic if left unattended. In addition, some of the acute forms of this disease are known as the most common ones in dogs. The acute swelling of dogs is typically direct swelling that extends to the scrotum. This article shares information on testicular swelling in dogs.
How Do You Treat a Dog with a Swollen Testicle?
Understanding Canine Testicular Swelling
As responsible pet owners, we are committed to providing the best possible care for our beloved furry friends. However, at times, unexpected health issues can arise. One concern that may cause worry is when you notice your dog has a swollen testicle. It is essential to address this matter promptly to ensure your canine companion’s well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for a dog with a swollen testicle.
Common Causes of Testicular Swelling in Dogs
There can be several reasons why a dog’s testicle becomes swollen. Understanding these causes is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment approach. Here are some common factors that can contribute to testicular swelling in dogs:
1. Trauma or Injury
Accidents or injuries involving the scrotum can lead to testicular swelling. It could result from a fall, getting caught in something, or rough play with other dogs. In such cases, immediate veterinary attention is necessary to assess the extent of the damage and provide appropriate treatment.
2. Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion is a condition where the spermatic cord becomes twisted, restricting blood flow to the testicle. This painful condition can cause rapid swelling and requires immediate veterinary intervention.
3. Infections
Infections, such as epididymitis or orchitis, can cause inflammation and swelling in the testicles. These infections may be bacterial, viral, or fungal in nature. Seeking veterinary care is essential to determine the underlying cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics or antifungal medications.
4. Tumors or Growths
Tumors or abnormal growths can also lead to testicular swelling in dogs. While some growths may be benign, others could be malignant or cancerous. A thorough examination by a veterinarian, including diagnostic tests like ultrasound or biopsy, can help determine the nature of the growth and guide treatment decisions.
5. Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs when a part of the abdominal contents, such as the intestines, protrudes into the inguinal canal. This can cause swelling in the scrotum and may require surgical intervention to correct.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Early detection of testicular swelling is crucial for prompt treatment. By observing your dog closely, you can identify signs that indicate a swollen testicle. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Swelling or enlargement of one or both testicles
- Redness or discoloration of the scrotal area
- Pain or discomfort in the affected area, leading to increased licking or biting
- Changes in your dog’s behavior, such as increased aggression or restlessness
- Difficulty walking or an abnormal gait
- Loss of appetite or lethargy
Should you notice any of these symptoms, it is vital to consult a veterinarian immediately. Early intervention can help prevent complications and alleviate your dog’s discomfort.
Seeking Veterinary Care
When it comes to your dog’s health, it is always best to consult a qualified veterinarian. A professional can provide a comprehensive examination, diagnose the underlying cause of the testicular swelling, and recommend appropriate treatment options. Here are some common steps involved in the veterinary care process:
- Physical Examination: The veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination, assessing the testicles, scrotum, and surrounding areas for abnormalities.
- Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the suspected cause, the veterinarian may recommend additional tests such as blood work, ultrasound, X-rays, or a biopsy to aid in the diagnosis.
- Treatment Plan: Once a diagnosis is established, the veterinarian will create a tailored treatment plan. This may include medication, surgery, or a combination of both, depending on the underlying cause.
- Post-Treatment Care: After treatment, it is crucial to follow the veterinarian’s instructions regarding post-operative care, medication administration, and any necessary follow-up appointments.
Preventive Measures for Canine Testicular Swelling
While some causes of testicular swelling are unavoidable, there are preventive measures you can take to promote your dog’s overall health and well-being:
- Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule routine check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s reproductive health and address any concerns promptly.
- Neutering: Neutering your dog can significantly reduce the risk of testicular swelling, as it removes the testicles. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate time for neutering your pet.
- Safety Measures: Minimize the risk of trauma or injury by ensuring a safe and controlled environment for your dog. Supervise playtime with other dogs and avoid hazardous situations.
- Hygiene and Cleanliness: Maintaining proper hygiene for your dog’s genital area can help prevent infections and reduce the likelihood of testicular swelling. Follow appropriate grooming practices and consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Testicular Swelling in Dogs
When the dog reaches its adult age, Epididymitis is typically diagnosed in it. On average, a dog at four years of its age may get affected by this disease. We cannot say which breeds have more or fewer chances of catching this disease. The information regarding swollen testicles can be equally fit for cats and dogs.
Symptoms Of Testicles Swelling
The scrotum is where we can find the symptoms of Epididymitis and Orchitis. Following are some of the notable signs of this disease.
- Enlarged testicles
- Inflammation of the scrotum’s skin and scrotal licking (dermatitis)
- Pain and fever are examples of non-localized symptoms.
- Lethargy and a general unwillingness to move
- There could be an open wound.
- It is typical to refuse to eat.
- Dogs with this disease frequently experience infertility.
Causes
The swollen testicles in their acute form are mainly due to trauma inside the scrotum. Some infectious causes and some viral infections, such as distemper, are responsible for triggering Epididymitis and Orchitis among dogs.
In addition, a dog may have its testicles swollen if it is suffering from inflammations of the bladder and prostate. Similarly, the dogs often bite when quarreling, so the bite marks also contribute to developing swollen testicles.
Some of the other highlighted causes of the disease are:
- Trauma
- Bite Marks Anywhere On Your Dog’s Body
- Influenza Virus
- Yeast Infection
- Infection With Bacteria
- Prosthesis, Or Prostate Inflammation
- Bladder Irritation Caused By Cystitis
- Testosterone Torsion
- Sexual Hernia
- A Scrotal Dermatitis
- The Spermatic Cord Twisting
- A Sperm-Filled Lump Of Inflammatory Tissue Is Known As A Granuloma.
- Aberrant Cell Growth, Or Neoplasia
- Ovarian Cancer
- Hormonal Imbalances
Diagnosis Of The Disease
The vet will perform several tests to diagnose the swollen testicles in your dog. The vet will also make it based on the dog’s past history, alongside the possible incidents that may contribute to triggering the swollen testicles.
One of the potential causes of the problem is the existence of a hernia of the scrotum. Aberrant cell proliferation, prostatitis, cystitis, spermatic cord twisting, granulomas, hydrocele, fluid-filled sacks on the spermatic cord, and scrotal dermatitis (neoplasia). All of these conditions must be ruled out before starting treatment.
Other conditions include Aberrant cell proliferation, prostatitis, cystitis, spermatic cord twisting, granulomas, hydrocele, fluid-filled sacks on the spermatic cord, and scrotal dermatitis (neoplasia). All of these conditions must be ruled out before starting treatment.
In addition, if the dog is suffering from infectious orchitis, its white blood count might be lower, which is also an indication to diagnose the disease. Similarly, the vets also perform urine tests on the dog, and if the urine contains pus, blood, or excessive protein, it might indicate the existence of prostatitis or cystitis.
Furthermore, diagnosis through ultrasound is also done. For instance, an ultrasound of body areas such as the prostate, testes, and epididymis is performed to confirm that there are no other causes of the disease.
To be completely sure, each dog’s open wound must be thoroughly examined to determine the presence of bacterial infection. The vets may test the semen of the dog as well the fluid in the testes to know about the presence of bacterial culture.
Treatment
The treatment of swollen dogs is related to the use of testes in dogs. If the dog is used for breeding purposes and one of its testes is affected, castration might be a good option. However, if both of the testicles of the dog are affected, and the dog is not intended for breeding purposes, then full castration is conducted.
After getting the surgical treatment, the dog has to be given antibiotics for at least three weeks. But remember that giving only antibiotics is not the complete solution to the problem. After getting treated, you have to check the dogs for viability after three months since the surgical treatment may result in infertility of the dog, whether full or unilateral.
Recovery Recommendations
After the castration of your dog, you must adhere to all the post-recovery recommendations to give a better life to your dog. Some vets also give the dog medicine to help ease pain and boost recovery. As a pet parent, it is your job to follow up according to the vet’s prescription and give your dog the right and recommended doses.
Furthermore, the incision sight of the dog should be cleaned at all times so that it heals up quickly without complications. Similarly, if there are any wounds, you have to keep them clean and dry.
Some people do not want their dogs to be neutered, so their recovery will become more difficult if the cause of the problem is serious. Therefore, vets may advise you to apply cold packs of ice on the swollen testes of your dog for a speedy recovery. If you cannot reduce the swallowing, you must return to the vet for further advice.
Prevention
The best way is to adopt certain measures that may contribute to disease prevention. If the dog has some open wounds, you have to treat them at the earliest so they may not develop any infections, which will be problematic for your dog in the latter stages.
In addition, if you keep your dog in good health and monitor its fitness paying regular veterinarian visits will help your dog to remain away from epididymitis and orchitis.
Conclusion
Testicle swallowing is a condition that can affect any dog without any discrimination of breed. However, dogs in their older age usually suffer from swollen testes, which may occur at any age.
The size of your dog’s testicles will fluctuate, making testicular swelling fairly simple to diagnose at home. However, you must take your dog to the vet every once to find out the origin and extent of the condition and receive treatment.
Apart from treatment, the best way is to keep the dog clean and healthy. In such cases, you may have to regularly visit your vet for guidance and routine checkups.