Enlarged scrotum - Page 1

I have a two years old male GSD.  Six months ago he was diagnosed with an infection on his scrotum (enlarged and swollen).  According to the vet, this happened because when the dog lies down, his scrotum touches the ground and this invites bacteria if the place is not clean.  He was given some medication and the swelling subsided  

Lately, it happened again (the scrotum enlarged but not swollen).  The vet said the same thing and indicated that water had formed in the scrotum (thus it appeared enlarged and drooped).  He was given some medication to  help to drain off the water and antibotics to keep off the bacterial infection. Was told that it is very common in GSD.  Need to find out whether this is indeed prevalent among the GSD Breed. Reason being, I met a trainer who has a Great Dane and he said it has not happened to his dog nor aware that it can also affects the other breeds.

Jovi, I have owned several GSD males for many years and never experienced this condition or knew anyone who did. It sounds as if your dog has a deep tissue infection that is hard to treat with general antibiotics, but I am not a medical professional.

Me? I don't like to give an answer like this, but I suggest that you find a different veterinarian who will try to determine the type of bacteria responsible for the infection and use a different route of treatment.

Good Luck,

Bob-O

[agrees with Bob-O]  This could be many different things. The testicle itself could be infected (epididymitis, orchiditis). He could have cancer of the testicles or scrotum. Get a second opinion, especially if you value this dog for breeding. He could lose his testicles to disease, and possibly even his life.

The only time I have known of this condition the dog sat in his urine for a couple of hours and got urine scald on his scrotum!  Is he urinating in his crate and laying in it?

Vickie

www.PowerHausKennels.com

Jovi:

A friend's 3 year old male gsd experienced the same thing.  At first they thought infection, but after it kept returning further tests were run and turns out he had something wrong with his kidneys.  Please get a second opinion. 

I hope your boy is ok,

Cheryl

 I have had German Shepherds my entire life and never have seen this condition. Get a second opinion as to why it is happening and if the dogs living conditions are not clean then they need to be kept clean.

Bob Q, Sunsilver, Vickie & Cheryl;

Thank you for your kind advice. I will definitely seek a second opinion on the condition.  Right now (second day into the medication), the scrotum seems to have shrank in size when compared earlier without treatment.  It is unlikely that drooping of the scrotum is due to urine scald, as the boy is hygienic and does its business outside and has never once sat on his own urine or stool.

Sunsilver -when you mentioned epididmitis, orchiditis, are they some form of skin infection affecting that particular spot or it can happen anywhere on the body.

Vickie - perhaps, if it is possible to find out from your friend (do not bother if it really difficult to get in touch with her/him) what actually happened to his dog's kidney,

Daniel 

Unfortunately I had a male like Cheryl described.  I brought him in for an enlarged scrotum and they treated it but eventually he started having more issues and it turned out he had Neprhotic Syndrome and died of kidney failure 2 years later.  Good luck in finding out what is wrong with your boy.

Epididymitis is inflammation or infection of the epididymis, part of the testicle. Orchiditis (or orchitis)  is infection of the testicles themselves.