Testicular Torsion: Rotation of the Descended Testis in Male Animals

Testicular torsion is a condition in which a descended testis rotates within the scrotum, twisting the spermatic cord and cutting off its blood supply.

This can lead to severe pain, swelling, and rapid degeneration of testicular tissue.

On a horizontal axis is observed most commonly in the stallion, especially trotting standardbreds.

The affected testis is freely moveable within the scrotum. Often the tail of the epididymis is lateral instead of caudal. On assuming a fast trotting gait, pain is evident by abduction or “hiking” of the leg on the side of the affected testis.

Some affected stallions appear unable to draw the testis out of the scrotum and into the inguinal canal.

Suspensories are of limited value and unilateral or bilateral castration is indicated. Torsion of the retained abdominal or inguinal testis may rarely occur.

This is usually accompanied by severe pain, swelling and congestion of the involved organ. It is reported most commonly in the dog and stallion and rarely in the pig.