What this means
First look at whether one testicle is swollen or both, whether the skin over them is red, cracked or warm, and whether your dog is licking or walking differently from usual. The testicles are normally similar in size and soft, so a difference between them is an important clue. The enlargement may be in the testicle itself or around it.
A dog in pain may avoid sitting or lying down, walk with the legs apart, be reluctant to let the back of its belly be touched, or lick without stopping. Sudden severe pain, especially with vomiting or lethargy, points to an urgent problem. A slowly growing, painless enlargement may be a growth, which also needs to be looked into, since sooner is generally better.
A testicle that has not come down properly, lying in the belly or the groin, can also cause problems, including twisting or growths. Write down since when you have noticed the change, which side is enlarged and whether your dog is unneutered, and tell the vet.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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Inflammation of the testicle or its duct
Inflammation causes swelling, heat and pain in the testicle. A dog may be lethargic, feverish and lick the area.
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Injury
A bite, a blow or another injury can swell the testicle or its sac. The dog reacts when it is touched and may limp.
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A growth in the testicle
Testicular growths are found mostly in older unneutered dogs. A testicle may grow slowly and without pain, while the other may shrink.
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A twisted testicle
When a testicle twists, its blood supply is cut off, causing sudden severe pain. A testicle that has not come down, or one that is already enlarged, twists more often.
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Skin inflammation on the scrotum
The skin on the sac can be red, tender and swollen although the testicles themselves are normal. The dog licks and scratches a lot.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Whether one testicle is swollen or both
- Whether the skin is red, cracked, warm or moist
- Whether your dog seems sore, licks or avoids sitting or lying down
- Whether the swelling came suddenly or is growing gradually
- Whether your dog is lethargic, feverish or vomiting
- Whether your dog is unneutered and whether both testicles have come down
When to book a routine visit
Book a visit within a few days if you notice an enlarged or swollen testicle, even if your dog seems well. If the swelling is sudden or painful, or your dog is vomiting or lethargic, go straight away.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Reproductive problems General health This is an umbrella term for various conditions that make it hard for a female to conceive or carry a litter, or for a male to sire one. The causes vary: hormonal imbalances, infections, the structure of the reproductive organs or age. What is getting in the way for a particular dog is for a vet to work out.
- Cancer Cancer Cancer is not one disease but a whole group of different malignant tumours that can appear in almost any organ or tissue. They can grow slowly or quickly and spread to other parts of the body, so the earlier a change is noticed, the more options a vet has. Only a vet can tell whether a lump or other change is malignant.
Body systems: General health Cancer