What is Testicular Torsion and Swelling?
Testicular torsion in dogs involves a situation which can present in an acute manner. It is torsion that involves the twisting of one or both testes (testicles) on the connective tissue. It can also involve any inflammation that blocks the blood flow in the connective tissue. The resulting inflammation is caused by the closing off of the blood supply to the testes as a result of the epididymis (the tube that lies at the back of the testicle which both stores and carries sperm) becoming kinked and blocked. The testes are suspended within the scrotum by a single bundle of tissue that also serves to carry blood to and from the scrotum.
If the testis rotates, this connective tissue gets kinked and flow within it is impeded. When this happens, pain and swelling of the affected testis is the result. Not only is this painful for the animal, but also can be dangerous as the longer the blood supply is impeded from the affected testicle the more likely the testicle will suffer irreparable damage or death.
Testicular torsion is defined as a twisting of the testis or testicle on its connective tissue. It can occur alongside orchitis and epididymitis as these terms refer to symptoms of inflammation that are caused by infection, trauma or metastasis.
Other causes of testicular swelling include orchitis and epididymitis.
Testicular Torsion and Swelling Average Cost
From 251 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000
Average Cost
$750
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
Symptoms of Testicular Torsion and Swelling in Dogs
The symptoms of testicular torsion in dogs are what one might expect:
- Swelling and pain in the scrotum
- Upon examination the scrotum may have wounds from a penetrating trauma, such as bite wounds
- If your pet is noted to be licking this area frequently, an examination will likely reveal dermatitis
- If the pain and swelling are acute, you will likely notice a significant change in the behavior of your pet such as no desire for food or water and cries of pain with movement
Causes of testicular swelling:
Torsion occurs when the testicle actually twists on its connective tissue. This causes the connective to kink or bind up to restrict or block the blood flow.
Orchitis and epididymitis usually occur together though they are considered only occasional problems in dogs. These two conditions involve inflammation that causes swelling that restricts or blocks the blood flow through the connective tissue that suspends the testes within the scrotum.
Causes of Testicular Torsion and Swelling in Dogs
Testicular torsion is rare in dogs. It occurs more commonly in intra abdominal testicles. It can be caused by tumours, trauma or anatomical defects.
Testicular swelling due to inflammation, or orchitis, can be caused by the below-listed conditions or situations:
- Trauma (described as penetrating), usually a bite or other puncture wound that allows the introduction of bacteria into the scrotum
- Associated with many systemic diseases some of which are life-threatening to your pet such as distemper, ehrlichiosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis and brucellosis
- Brucellosis is the only one of these systemic diseases that is listed as a significant cause of the orchitis and the life of the animal is not the primary concern
- Lymphocytic orchitis is potentially part of an autoimmune disease that can have multiorgan involvement; like that described in the Beagle breed for example
- Fungal, bacterial or viral infections, these can be hematogenous (blood borne) or urologic in origin
Diagnosis of Testicular Torsion and Swelling in Dogs
Testicular torsion is usually diagnosed from a physical exam.Imaging may be required, especially when the torsion occurs in an intra-abdominal testicle.
To obtain a diagnosis or orchitis, it is necessary to be sure to include testing for Brucella canis infection. Cytologic evaluation of semen with both bacterial and mycoplasmal cultures will also be helpful. Here is a list of some of the testing that could be required to make the accurate diagnosis:
- Brucella canis blood cultures
- Cytologic evaluation of semen
- Testicular or epididymal specimens for cytological evaluation, can be obtained via fine needle aspiration
- Possible testicular biopsy for histopathological review and bacterial culture may be needed after less invasive diagnostics have been done
- Digital imaging of the scrotum if lesion or mass is felt or suspected
- If there is no plan for breeding in the future, the specimens noted above can be obtained more easily during the castration process
Treatment of Testicular Torsion and Swelling in Dogs
In the case of testicular torsion in dogs, and given the potential damage to the reproductive system of your dog, the outlook for maintaining fertility in the animal is guarded at best. This is true regardless of how aggressive the therapy is, as there is considerable potential for irreversible damage to the structures of the reproductive system.
Surgical removal of the twisted testicle is the preferred treatment, to prevent recurrence and provide immediate relief.
For orchitis:
- Systemic antibiotics should be administered for 3 to 4 weeks if an infection is found
- Applying cool water packs to help decrease the swelling and heat generated by the inflammation
- Hemicastration (removal of one testicle only) could be considered prudent to keep the infection away from the fellow testicle especially as damage occurs within hours in the case of testicular torsion and is irreversible
- All antifungal medications will interfere with spermatogenesis
- Fluoroquinolones are generally the best antibiotics to use if there is potential for prostate involvement after the inflammation has calmed down
- Culture and sensitivity testing may be required to refine the treatment plan over time
- There is no totally successful treatment for Brucella canis infection.
Additional retesting and cultures to determine success of the treatment plan may be required.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Recovery of Testicular Torsion and Swelling in Dogs
The potential for your dog to have a return of normal fertility is grave in cases of chronic orchitis/epididymitis and is impossible if ischemic damage has occurred in testicular torsion cases. This is not the best news if you are planning to breed your dog, but is good news for a family pet. The quality of life and life expectancy are not significantly affected as long as the root cause can be determined and treated successfully in most cases.
Testicular Torsion and Swelling Average Cost
From 251 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000
Average Cost
$750
Top
Testicular Torsion and Swelling Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Australian Shepherd Dog
Ten Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Undistended Testicle
In the past month helper has exhibited signs of a stiff gait and has also exhibited symptoms of uncontrollable itching in his hindquarters.
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. At 10 years old, I do not think that the stiff gait and the itching are necessarily related. Dogs do suffer from arthritis and joint pain as they age, and itching can be caused by a number of things such as parasites, bacterial or fungal infections, or allergies. With the things that you are describing, I think the best thing to do for him would be to have an appointment with a veterinarian. They would be able to examine him, see what might be going on with his back end, and let you know what sort of treatment options are available to keep him comfortable. I hope that all goes well for him and he feels better soon.
Oct. 1, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Miniature Australian Shepherd
One Year
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Restlessness, Shaking, Uncomfortable, Redness And Tender Scrotum
Suddenly, my mini Aussie became very clingy abd would run to a corner and sit down quickly. At first, I thought he may have gotten a thistle torn on his underside (I was weeding the garden), but then noticed the bottom portion of his scrotum was bright pink/light red. It’s tender to the touch and he will not let me put a cold pack on it. Not sure what I should do.
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Without being able to see him, it is difficult to say what might be causing this problem for him. 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. 14, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Saint Bernard
Two Years 6 months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Testicles
Very suddenly my dogs testicles became swollen. No other symptoms eating fine, going to the bathroom fine and does not seem to be in any pain. No trauma occurred that I am aware of. What could be going on?
July 22, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Testicular torsion and infections is typically quite painful, and it is strange that he is not showing any signs of discomfort. He may have a tumor, or an infection, but either way it would probably be best if you are noticing a difference in the size of his testicles to have him seen by a veterinarian. They will be able to look at him, see what else might be going on, and let you know what treatment options are available. I hope that all goes well for him.
July 22, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
German Shepherd
11 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen/Dark Testicle, Rash On One Side Of Groin
Gato only has 1 descended testicle and it was originally light brown and very furry like his penile sheath. Today I noticed a red rash to only one side of the sheath and that the testicle was a dark blackish color with some red and not hairy. I haven't looked at it in a few weeks so I am not sure how recent the change to the testicle is, but the rash is definitely new. He does not let me near the testicle and seems very sensitive about me touching the area. Normally he does not mind.
July 13, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello,
So sorry to hear about your dog. This can be an infection on the scrotum. Your vet can start your dog on antibiotics to help with this infection. Also, if there is only one testicle, the other one is inside and may become cancerous. It would be best to have your dog neutered.
I hope your dog starts to feel better soon
July 13, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Testicular Torsion and Swelling Average Cost
From 251 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000
Average Cost
$750
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
