Symptoms and Treatment of Orchitis in Dogs
📝 Summary
Orchitis is inflammation of the testicle that often spreads to the epididymis. Affected dogs show swollen, hot, painful testicles, a hunched back, reluctance to mate, and whole-body signs like fever and appetite loss. Treatment aims to control infection and prevent chronic shrinkage: cold packs in the first 24 hours, then warmth and support, plus a course of injectable penicillin.
1 Symptoms
Both testicles swell to varying degrees and are painful; the dog stands with hind legs splayed, moves stiffly with legs apart, arches its back, and refuses to mate. The testicles are enlarged, hot, and tender on palpation; the vaginal tunic holds serofibrinous fluid, and the spermatic cord is thickened and sore. Systemic signs include a raised temperature (around 39.5°C), depression, reduced appetite, and a faster pulse.
2 Treatment
The goal is to control infection, prevent complications, and avoid a chronic stage that leads to testicular atrophy or blocked epididymis. Keep the dog quiet and resting.
Within the first 24 hours apply cold compresses with lead acetate solution to relieve pain and curb inflammation; once the inflammation eases, switch to warm compresses, rub on ichthammol ointment, and support the scrotum with a bandage to settle the testicle, improve circulation, and reduce pain.
Systemically, give antibiotics: intramuscular penicillin sodium, 1.6 million units twice daily for three days.
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