The dog’s balls turn red

The dog’s balls turn red may be a symptom of acute orchitis, which is an acute inflammation of the testicular parenchyma. Because the testicles and epididymis are closely connected, acute orchitis occurs at the same time. Accompanied by epididymitis, it is a common reproductive disease in male dogs. Acute orchitis in dogs is usually caused by damage to the testicles or the spread of a urinary tract infection.

Causes of acute orchitis in dogs

Direct injury and the spread of infection from the genitourinary tract are the main causes.
Injuries are mainly caused by bites, blows, stab wounds from sharp and hard objects, etc. Infections of the bladder, urethra, and prostate can retrogradely infect the testicles through the vas deferens and other pathways, which are also common causes. In addition, certain infectious diseases, such as Brucella, tuberculosis, and blastomycosis, can also cause orchitis.

Symptoms of acute orchitis in dogs

During acute orchitis, one or both testicles show varying degrees of swelling and pain. The sick animal bows its waist when standing and abducts the hind limb of the affected testicle. When walking, the two hind limbs should be spread forward and the gait should be restrained to avoid touching the diseased testis. On palpation, the testes were enlarged and warm. Traumatic orchitis is often accompanied by inflammation around the testicles, causing adhesions between the testicles and the common vaginal membrane and even the penis, and the testicles lose mobility. When purulent infection is complicated, the scrotum will be swollen, the skin will be tense and shiny, and systemic symptoms will be obvious. In severe cases, peritonitis may develop. After local suppuration and ulceration, pus flows out and systemic symptoms are relieved.

Treatment of acute orchitis in dogs

Those who have trauma or suppurative inflammation and ulceration should undergo debridement and trauma treatment. Apply local cold compress within 24 hours of inflammation and hot compress after 24 hours. For severe pain, intraspermic cord closure with procaine and penicillin can be performed. Use broad-spectrum antibiotics in large doses throughout the body to control infection. If the treatment is not effective, castration should be performed. It is recommended to strengthen feeding and management, control strenuous exercise, and be careful not to lick or bite the affected area and get close to the female animal in estrus.