Orchitis

What Is Orchitis?

Orchitis is inflammation of one or both testicles. It often happens together with epididymitis, inflammation of the coiled tube that sits against the testicle and stores sperm, so vets sometimes call it orchiepididymitis. It affects intact (unneutered) males and is seen far more often in dogs than in cats. The scrotum usually becomes swollen, warm and painful, and many dogs make the problem worse by licking the area.

Causes

• Bacterial infection spreading from the urinary tract or prostate; see prostatitis
• Brucella canis, a bacterium spread through breeding and body fluids that causes infertility in dogs and can infect people; see canine brucellosis
• Injury, such as bite wounds, kicks or scrapes to the scrotum
• Tick-borne and fungal infections in some regions, and occasionally viral disease such as distemper in dogs or FIP in cats
• Testicular torsion, more likely in a retained testicle; see cryptorchidism
• Immune-mediated (lymphocytic) orchitis, a less common cause linked to infertility

Signs to Watch For

• Swollen, red or hot scrotum, on one side or both
• Constant licking of the scrotum, sometimes with raw or weeping skin
• Stiff, wide-legged walking, reluctance to sit or jump
• Fever, lethargy and poor appetite
• In breeding dogs, poor fertility or a shrunken, firm testicle after the swelling settles

Diagnosis

Your vet will examine the scrotum and prostate and usually recommend a scrotal ultrasound, urine tests and culture, and bloodwork. Any dog used for breeding, or with an unknown history such as a recent rescue, should be tested for Brucella canis before other dogs or people handle infected discharge. If an abscess or torsion is suspected, the vet may move straight to surgery.

Treatment

• Antibiotics chosen by culture, often for several weeks
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication prescribed for your pet; never give human painkillers
• A cone or recovery suit to stop licking
• Castration, which is often the most reliable cure, especially when one testicle is badly damaged or the dog is not used for breeding; see dog neutering and cat neutering

Prevention

Neutering removes the risk entirely. For intact males, test breeding partners for brucellosis, keep the scrotum clean after injuries, and get urinary or prostate problems treated early. If cost is a concern, our guide to spay and neuter costs at low-cost clinics vs private vets compares options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can orchitis go away on its own?
Mild cases from a minor knock sometimes settle, but you cannot tell a minor case from infection or torsion at home. Untreated infection can scar the testicle and cause permanent infertility.

Can neutered dogs get orchitis?
No. A neutered dog has no testicles, though he can still get scrotal skin irritation or swelling right after surgery, which is a different problem.

Is orchitis contagious to other dogs?
Most cases are not, but orchitis caused by Brucella canis can spread through breeding, urine and other body fluids.

If your dog or cat has a swollen or painful scrotum, have him checked today. Find a veterinary clinic near you for an exam.