TL;DR: Testicular swelling and redness in dogs are typically caused by infection or trauma and require a veterinary examination within 24 hours to manage pain and prevent systemic illness.
What causes testicular swelling and redness in my dog?
- This condition is often caused by orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) or epididymitis (inflammation of the sperm duct).
- Common underlying causes include bacterial infections, localized trauma, or occasionally, tumors.
- Regardless of the cause, the affected area is typically sensitive and painful for your pet.
Is testicular swelling and redness in dogs a veterinary emergency?
- The urgency level for swollen and red testicles is categorized as Medium, meaning your dog should be seen by a vet within 24 hours.
- While not usually an immediate life-threatening emergency, it is a painful condition that can lead to systemic illness if an infection spreads.
- You should seek immediate emergency care if your dog also shows signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, or persistent vomiting.
Why should I provide a photo of my dog's testicular swelling for triage?
- A clear photo allows veterinary professionals to gauge the degree of inflammation and check for skin lesions, discharge, or bruising.
- This visual assessment helps the team prioritize your dog's case based on severity.
- The image provides a baseline to track whether the swelling improves or worsens once treatment begins.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Acute inflammation of the testis or epididymis (orchitis and epididymitis) in dogs can be caused by trauma, infection (fungal, bacterial, or viral), or testicular torsion. Infection can be hematogenous or urologic in origin. Clinical signs include pain and swelling of the testes, epididymides, and/or scrotum, and there may be wounds or other lesions in the scrotal skin. Palpation of the scrotal contents should identify which structures are involved, although patient discomfort and edema can make this difficult. Ultrasonography, with sedation or analgesia as needed, can further evaluate the affected structures and confirm the presence of testicular torsion and focal lesions in the testis or epididymis. Scrotal abnormalities such as dermatitis may adversely affect semen quality by decreasing scrotal thermoregulation. Greatly enlarged testes suggest orchitis or epididymitis.
Chapter: Urology, Infectious Disease, Surgery
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1400)