My unneutered male dog's testicles are red and swollen. Is it serious?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 30th, 2017

  I wouldn't recommend applying any over the counter balm or cream without consulting a veterinarian first. The most common cause of red/swollen skin on the scrotum would be excessive licking of the area leading to a skin infection. Some types of testicular infections or tumors could also lead to swelling. In rare situations a testicle can twist on itself (testicular torsion) but usually this is very painful and one testicle is very large compared to the other which doesn't seem to be the case in your picture. I would recommend having Buzo seen by a veterinarian. In the meantime, if he has been licking the best thing to do would be to put an e-collar on to prevent him from making things worse.

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 29th, 2019

  I would recommend having Solo examined immediately. It is possible that Solo has orchitis (something causing swelling of the testicles), or even a testicular torsion. The redness and thickening of the skin is likely irritation from him licking, likely due to pain or discomfort. I would want to ensure he does not have an infection (checking his temperature, and running a Complete Cell Count), then I would examine the area to determine if the testicles are twisted, if they feel abnormal, or if they are painful. It is likely that neutering would resolve this issue permanently, but I would want any infection to be resolved prior to surgery. I hope this helps. That looks very uncomfortable for him.

  

  14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on June 23rd, 2020

  That does look pretty irritated. Since it appears to be a little oozy and is in a particularly sensitive area, I would have it examined by your vet. They can clean the area and take a sample (if needed) and provide you with any medications such as pain or antibiotics if the area is infected.
  
  Until you can get to your vet, I would keep Thor from licking the area by placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on him, and keeping the area clean and dry. I would also monitor to see if it is rapidly changing in size, is very painful, the testicle swells or turns purple, etc as these are all potential signs of something more serious that should be treated right away.

  

  3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 2nd, 2017

  Wow, poor Tyrin! His tests are quite red and inflamed! He could be suffering from an infection of the skin, trauma to the area, or orchitis (inflammation to the testicles). He does have to see a vet in order to have this treated, and I will provide some resources at the end of my answer that may help you afford a vet. As for the cream discharge from his penis, this may be smegma which is a normal discharge. It actually comes from the sheath of the penis. I would have Tyrin seen by a vet as soon as possible for his problem with his testicles. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website.
  http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962
  https://www.redrover.org
  https://www.carecredit.com
  http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
  http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/
  
  God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.

  The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.

  Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay.
  IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.
  

  

  4Pet Parents found this answer helpful