From diseases in dogs, pathological conditions need to be separated, for example, cryptorchidism. This is the inappropriation of one or both testicles in a scrotum caused by various reasons. This condition is adjusted by the operational way, lowering the non-launched testicle into the scrotum, or removing both organs at once, that is, carrying out the castration of the cell. If this is not done, there is a high risk of developing tumors, which threatens not only health, but also the life of the animal. Unlike a condition that is most often congenital, diseases of the genital area in dogs are found at any age. More often than others, adults are sick (4-5 years old) or elderly, weakened and unhealthy dogs.
Types of testicular diseases in dogs
Directs of different breeds quite often observe various diseases of the genital organs. Balanopostitis is more often than others, that is, inflammation of the skin covering the head of the penis, and the skin storage container called prepusion. The disease is caused by the penetration of pathogens, can be complicated by urethritis, but almost never affects the condition of the testicles.
Another common disease is prostatitis and prostate adenoma. It can also be provoked by microbes, more often it affects older dogs.
Of the diseases that affect the testicles directly, orchitis, epididymitis and orchoepididimitis can be called:
- Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testicles. It arises as a result of other diseases of the viral or bacterial nature, or is a complication of diseases of the genitourinary system, prostatitis or urethritis.
- Epididymititis – inflammation of the appendages of the testicles. Usually meets with orchitis.
- Orchoepididimitis is an inflammatory process in testicles and their appendages. Since these two diseases almost always develop in parallel, orchoepididymititis is considered as one disease, has common symptoms, diagnosis and treatment principles.
Diseases of the genitals in dogs cannot be ignored, as this can lead to extremely serious consequences. This is especially important for thoroughbred dogs intended for breeding.
Causes of the disease
Sometimes orchitis appears as a complication of previously transferred infectious diseases. But a more frequent reason for it is an infection in the genitourinary tract, in which pathogens enter the organ (organs) with blood, in the presence of urethritis or prostatitis. Orchitis can also develop after injury to the testicles.
Epididymitis occurs due to penetration of infection from the urethra, prostate or seminal vesicles, as well as after surgery on the prostate gland, which is practically not used in dogs.
Signs of the disease
As in humans, orchiepididymitis in dogs is divided into two stages: acute and chronic. The following symptoms are characteristic of an acute condition:
- Severe soreness of the affected organ. The dog does not allow touching the scrotum, which from the side of the inflamed testicle seems enlarged, edematous, with smoothed folds, even strongly stretched.
- Signs of general intoxication of the body: weakness, lethargy, lack of appetite, fever.
- A local increase in temperature – when touched, the inflamed testicle seems very hot, and its skin is reddened. Be careful, the dog can bite the owner if he is hurt!
- The animal’s gait changes. It begins to move strangely, spreading its hind legs wide. Most of the time the dog prefers to lie down, stops running and playing. He reluctantly goes for a walk, which used to please him.
If the animal is not treated, after a couple of weeks the disease becomes chronic. The temperature subsides, severe pain decreases, but on examination and palpation, a seal is detected. The dog may react sharply to examination, as the inflamed appendage remains painful. With the accumulation of fluid, dropsy of the testicle is observed.
The main threat of complications after orchiepididymitis is an active purulent process. Treatment may not work, then surgery is required.
Diagnostics
You can identify orchitis or epididymitis when examined by a veterinarian. If there is suspicion of testicular injury or the presence of a tumor, an ultrasound may be prescribed, but it can only be performed in clinics with special equipment.
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To determine the type of infection take the necessary tests. Based on them, a decision is made about the methods of treatment.
Treatment methods
The principles of treatment are related to the cause that caused the process. With traumatic orchiepididymitis, the animal needs rest, the veterinarian prescribes painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines.
If the cause of inflammation has an infection, antibiotics of directed action against the microorganisms identified during the examination are added to the above therapy. With combined infection, several different drugs are used.
The intensity and duration of treatment are selected by a veterinarian. It is forbidden to independently interfere in the treatment process, increase or reduce doses and doses of treatment, and it is forbidden to replace drugs, as this can cause irreparable harm to the health of the dog.
If the veterinarian detects irreparable changes in the state of an inflamed organ, with a plentiful purulent process, as well as in case of serious traumatic lesion of one or both testicles, a decision is made to remove them with a surgical way.
After surgery, the dog is prescribed drug therapy to prevent the inflammatory process, peace, heat, thorough regular processing of the place of intervention with antiseptics. If the dog is trying to lick the seams, the Elizabethan collar is needed. The animal needs to pay attention to, calm it, as well as provide constant access to drinking water and a good calorie nutrition.
After treatment, the dog needs more attention, so the owners should find time to communicate with the pet.
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