What is testicular torsion?

Testicular torsion is an acute condition in which the tissues surrounding the testicle twist and cut off blood flow, causing scrotal pain and behavioural changes. If you suspect this, seek veterinary assessment as soon as possible.

What are the common clinical signs of testicular torsion?

Common signs include scrotal swelling, obvious pain on touch, decreased energy or appetite, and possible repeated vomiting. Observing and recording symptoms will help the vet make an accurate assessment.

What tests will the vet usually perform at the appointment?

The vet will perform a physical examination and scrotal ultrasound to evaluate blood flow, and may order blood tests, urinalysis, or further imaging to identify the underlying cause.

What should I watch for after surgery or treatment?

After surgery, restrict your pet's activity, attend scheduled follow-up appointments for wound healing and ultrasound monitoring, and watch for changes in appetite, toileting, and signs of pain. Contact your vet if you have concerns.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Testicular Torsion in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Ultrasound & Treatment Guide [2025]

Testicular torsion cuts off blood supply to the testicle, causing severe pain and typically requiring emergency surgical castration.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Rapid scrotal swelling with the skin turning purple
•Frequent vomiting leading to inability to eat or signs of dehydration
•Sudden complete loss of activity or onset of lethargy

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (Within 24–72 Hours)

•Persistent scrotal swelling with obvious pain on touch
•Noticeably reduced appetite or refusal to eat for more than one day
•Repeated vomiting or frequent dry heaving while still conscious

01What symptoms indicate something is wrong?

Testicular torsion typically presents with acute scrotal pain and localised swelling, often accompanied by changes in behaviour and appetite. Watch for signs of systemic distress.

Lethargy and noticeably reduced activity
Reduced appetite or complete refusal to eat for more than a day
Repeated vomiting or frequent retching
Scrotal or abdominal swelling with obvious discomfort when touched
Discolouration of the scrotal skin or a palpable hard mass

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Rapidly enlarging scrotum with skin turning purple or dark
⚠️ Repeated vomiting preventing eating or leading to dehydration
⚠️ Sudden complete loss of mobility or collapse

02How to assess the situation at home: what to observe and when to seek emergency care

Observing and recording symptoms and timing at home helps your vet assess the situation and plan the right tests.

Note the exact date and time symptoms first appeared
Track and write down changes in behaviour and activity level
Film a short video of the scrotum and your pet's gait for the vet
Record number of vomiting episodes, bowel movements, and food and water intake
Gently check whether there is clear pain on touch or excessive licking of the area

03How will the vet diagnose this? Common examinations

At the clinic, the vet will start with a physical exam followed by ultrasound and any necessary blood or imaging tests to identify the cause and assess blood flow.

Physical examination

localising pain and palpating the scrotum

Scrotal ultrasound

assessing testicular blood flow and tissue structure

CT scan

for complex or unclear cases requiring further imaging

Blood and biochemistry panel

evaluating overall health and infection markers

Urinalysis

ruling out urinary tract or kidney-related issues

04Treatment and aftercare: medication, diet adjustments, and home care guide

Treatment depends on severity — surgical or conservative management — and all patients, whether post-operative or not, require follow-up and care as directed by the vet.

Surgery may be required; your vet will assess and advise accordingly
Regular follow-up visits with ultrasound monitoring are needed after surgery or conservative management
Administer prescribed pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication and monitor your pet's response
Restrict activity and provide a quiet, comfortable resting environment
Monitor food and water intake; offer smaller, more frequent meals if needed

05What to prepare before the vet visit: key information to help the vet quickly identify the cause

Write down when symptoms started and how they have changed day by day

Record recent appetite, water intake, and toileting habits

Bring photos or video files of the scrotal area or any vomiting episodes

List all medications currently or recently given

Bring any previous imaging results or examination reports if available

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.