What are Epididymitis and Orchitis?
Orchitis is inflammation of one of both of the testicles. Epididymitis is inflammation of the testicular tube where sperm is stored. Both conditions can be very serious and need to be addressed properly. Symptoms can be mild, such as scrotal dermatitis from licking, or can be severe such as intense swelling and abnormal growths. Unfortunately, prognosis of a full recovery is poor; however if caught early enough, you can neuter your dog and avoid many of the complications.
Orchitis and epididymitis are both serious conditions that can develop in your dog. If you suspect your dog is having an issue related to his urinary system or reproductive system, take him to a veterinarian as soon as you can.
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Symptoms of Epididymitis and Orchitis in Dogs
Symptoms your dog may experience include:
- Pain
- Swelling of the testes
- Swelling of the scrotum
- Swelling of the epididymides
- Lesions in the scrotal skin
- Abnormal masses in the scrotum
- Scrotal dermatitis from your dog licking himself
Symptoms may develop slowly and start as one symptom at a time, or swelling may develop and progress suddenly.
Types
The types of epididymitis and orchitis can include noninflammatory cases. These may be caused by an infectious agent, excessive pressure, extreme temperatures, hormonal causes and cytotoxic agents. Overall, no matter the type, the same body regions are negatively affected.
Causes of Epididymitis and Orchitis in Dogs
Causes of epididymitis and orchitis can be caused by trauma, infection or torsion. The infection can be caused by a fungal agent, bacteria, or virus. The infection can originate in the blood or in the urine itself. Other possible causes can include immune mediated conditions, neoplasia, spermatocele or granuloma formation.
Diagnosis of Epididymitis and Orchitis in Dogs
When the veterinarian is performing her physical exam, she will carefully palpate the scrotum to see which structures are affected. If there is swelling, palpation may not be possible. If this occurs, the veterinarian may need to sedate your dog and ultrasound his scrotum to better evaluate what structures are involved. She may want to take radiographs for an additional view of the scrotum and to ensure nothing else is going on.
Blood work will be performed to give the veterinarian a look at how the internal organs are functioning and to rule out other possible causes of his symptoms. A complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel will provide the veterinarian with needed information. In addition , a packed cell volume (PCV) may also be performed to determine hydration status.
A rule out test should be included in the veterinarian’s diagnostic process. Testing for Brucella canis infection needs to be performed to rule it out as a cause of your dog’s symptoms. Semen will need to be collected and examined with a bacterial and mycoplasmal culture. If your dog is experiencing pain and swelling, collection may prove to be difficult so other methods may be considered.
Treatment of Epididymitis and Orchitis in Dogs
Unless the underlying cause can be determined, treatment of these conditions in dogs can be difficult. You dog may lose his ability to reproduce due to the effect on his fertility. Even with aggressive therapies and treatments, prognosis is guarded. The damage that can be done to his reproduction system can be irreversible.
Your dog may be started on antibiotics and or antifungals to combat the infection. Additional culture and sensitivity tests are suggested to refine the medication selection choice.
Other forms of treatment may be offered depending on your dog’s needs. He may be kept for observation or may need to be kept alone in order to ensure the infection does not transfer to other animals.
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Recovery of Epididymitis and Orchitis in Dogs
Prognosis of a full recovery for your dog is poor. No matter how aggressive you try to treat it, if it is a chronic condition or ascending infection, it may lead to incurable prostatitis. If you catch the condition early enough and neuter your dog, you may be able to avoid some of the more serious complications.
As soon as you notice something abnormal going on with your dog, take him to his veterinarian. It is better to be on the safe side and get him checked out. You know your dog better than anyone else, you will be the one to know if his behavior is indicating a possible problem.
Epididymitis and Orchitis Average Cost
From 209 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,000
Average Cost
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Epididymitis and Orchitis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
1/2 PitBull Mastiff 1/4 Shiba Inu 1/4 German Shepherd
Six Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
He’s been biting and scratching himself
There’s redness and rawness and a lump on his testicles. He has fleas and I just put some pet armor flea drops on him today.
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
Fleas can cause dramatic itching and skin infections. If things do not get better for him after the flea drops were put on, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 15, 2020
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Rottweiler
Three Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Testicular Swelling
My dog is three years old and has normal looking testicles but are pointy at the end. He only recently started developing those bumps. I am reading many articles saying that bumps on dogs testicles could be testicular cancer or Epididymitis. His activity level hasn’t changed and it doesn’t appear to be painful or interfere with him so far. I’m worried that it may not be normal and could potentially turn into something dangerous.
Aug. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
6 Recommendations
Hello, Most likely this is the epididymis which is a normal part of the testicle. Without seeing your dog it is hard to tell. It would be best for your vet to look at this and make sure that this is perfectly normal.
Aug. 31, 2020
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Dachshund mini
8 month old
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Other
My puppy testicles are both round the same size, but are pointy on the end. Is this normal? They are not red or swollen at all. He is happy and eating normal.
Aug. 4, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
3 Recommendations
Hello-
Thank you for your question. That is a completely normal part of the anatomy of the testicle. It is nothing to worry about. Have a great day.
Aug. 4, 2020
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Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)
Lupin
2 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Aggression At Own Testicles
For at least a year, my dog has occasionally growled/barked at his balls when cleaning. He will get quite defensive if you touch them too much. I don't notice any swelling and there are no other abnormal symptoms. My dog rarely humps and I can't think of anything that could have triggered it.
Aug. 26, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
I'm not sure what might be causing this behavior, without seeing Lupin. If he seems healthy otherwise and there aren't any signs of inflammation or infection, you may be fine to monitor this. If it continues or worsens, it may be a good idea to have him examined by a veterinarian to see if there is a reason for this behavior.
Aug. 26, 2018
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Bernadoodle
Bernie
6 Months
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Licking Enlarged Testicle
I have a 6 month old Bernadoodle. Bathed him yesterday after a walk in rain where he rollled on a dear goose. Today he is licking himself excessively and we noticed a mass. My husband says it is his testicles. But they weren’t there yesterday! It’s sunday, can’t get to vet until tomorrow. Any ideas?
May 20, 2018
3 Recommendations
It is possible that something is irritating his scrotal skin or there is something causing an enlargement of the testicle, without examining Bernie I cannot tell which one it is; you should prevent him from licking himself and bathe the area with a dilute antiseptic to wash away any saliva (saliva causes more irritation which leads to more licking). Visit your Veterinarian in the morning, but if Bernie develops a fever, vomiting or any other worrying symptoms visit an Emergency Veterinarian immediately. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 21, 2018
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Epididymitis and Orchitis Average Cost
From 209 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
