Orchitis:
- Orchitis is defined as inflammation of testicles of male animals.
- It is most commonly caused by infection or trauma.
- Periorchitis or epididymitis may coexist.
Etiology:
- Physical injury or trauma to testicles
- Bacterial infections may spread hematogenously or by retrograde movement from accessory sex glands. zooepidemicus is commonly isolated from infectious orchitis in stallions.
- Brucella abortus is common cause of orchitis in bulls
- Other infectious agents include tuberculosis, T. pyogenes, Nocardia farcinica, Bovine Herpes Virus
- Auto-immune reactions may sometimes attack testicles and damage testicles.
Clinical Findings:
- In acute cases, testes are hot, swollen and painful
- Swollen testis is turgid due to restriction by tunica albuginea
- Reluctance to move or walk
- Changes in behaviour such as aggression or depression
- Lameness, if both testicles are affected
- Interference with circulation leads to ischemia and infarction
- Sometimes abscess may develop
- In chronic cases, testicular atrophy or fibrosis may occur
- Animals refuse to mate
- Ejaculates may contain numerous white blood cells
Diagnosis:
- On basis of history of physical injury, trauma, infections
- On basis of clinical findings
- On basis of laboratory investigation of sperm: decreased sperm motility, increased sperm morphologic abnormalities
- Physical examination involves palpation of testicles for tenderness and swelling
- Blood test: increased leukocyte count in case of infection
- Ultrasonography of testicles
Treatment:
- Scrotal cryotherapy: In this process, temperature of scrotum is lowered to level that temporarily affects sperm production. It is achieved by applying cold ice packs, ice packs, liquid nitrogen or other cryotherapy devices.
- Systemic administration of antibiotics to reduce infection and swelling
- Animals should be provided sexual rest for a period of time until testicular function is restored.
- Systemic administration of anti-inflammatory drugs helps reduce inflammation and manages pain.
- Antibiotic therapy should be continued for 1-2 weeks beyond resolution of testicular swelling and pain
- In case of auto-immune reactions, immune-suppressive drugs; dexamethasone or prednisone are administered.