Computed tomography of testicular torsion in a juvenile dog with unilateral cryptorchidism

• Published in: Canadian veterinary journal Vol. 63; no. 5; pp. 515 - 520
• Main Authors: Slaughter, Sarah A, Eitzer, Andrew D, Tolliver, Sara E, Holman, Sarah N, Colopy, Sara A, Hoey, Seamus E, Loeber, Samantha J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada Canadian Veterinary Medical Association 01.05.2022
• Subjects: Animals; Cryptorchidism - diagnostic imaging; Cryptorchidism - surgery; Cryptorchidism - veterinary; Dog Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Dog Diseases - surgery; Dogs; Male; Scientific; Spermatic Cord Torsion - diagnostic imaging; Spermatic Cord Torsion - surgery; Spermatic Cord Torsion - veterinary; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography - veterinary
• ISSN: 0008-5286

A 14-week-old male unilaterally cryptorchid Clumber spaniel was presented for acute lethargy. Physical examination revealed abdominal pain, and a single testis was palpated in the scrotum. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) revealed a poorly vascularized, ovoid structure immediately caudal to the left kidney with scant regional peritoneal effusion. Left intra-abdominal testicular torsion was confirmed at surgery, and routine cryptorchidectomy was performed. The patient recovered uneventfully from anesthesia and surgery. Key clinical message: The most common CT characteristics of testicular torsion were present in this case and correlated well with sonographic findings to allow for rapid, accurate diagnosis and surgical planning of unilateral, non-neoplastic, intra-abdominal cryptorchid testicular torsion in a juvenile dog. Contrast enhanced CT facilitated accurate localization of the undescended testis and evaluation of testicular perfusion and may be a useful alternative to ultrasound for diagnosing testicular torsion, especially in indeterminate cases.