Unilateral Testicular Enlargement in a Ram Treated with Bilateral Orchidectomy and Scrotal Ablation: A Case Report

Abstract

Tropical Unilateral testicular enlargement in rams is an uncommon clinical condition that may arise from inflammatory, traumatic, neoplastic, or congenital disorders and can severely compromise animal welfare and reproductive performance when left untreated. This case report describes the successful surgical management of a chronic unilateral testicular enlargement in a 2-year-old Uda ram presented to the Veterinary Hospital Complex, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta, Nigeria, with a two-month history of progressive enlargement of the left hemiscrotum. The swelling had progressively increased until it reached the ground, causing impaired locomotion and predisposing the animal to repeated trauma (Figure 1). Clinical examination revealed a bright, alert ram with normal physiological parameters, while physical examination demonstrated a markedly enlarged unilateral scrotum and a contralateral testis that appeared normal on palpation. Differential diagnoses included hydrocele, haematocele, chronic orchitis/orchiepididymitis, testicular neoplasia, and scrotal hernia. Owing to financial constraints, ancillary diagnostic procedures, including ultrasonography and histopathology, were not performed. Surgical intervention was therefore elected based on clinical findings. Although unilateral orchidectomy was initially planned, intraoperative assessment revealed extensive vascular involvement and difficulty in safely isolating the affected structures, necessitating conversion to bilateral orchidectomy (Figure 2). Because of the excessive scrotal enlargement and redundant tissue, complete scrotal ablation was simultaneously performed to facilitate wound healing and improve postoperative recovery (Figure 3). The excised testes demonstrated marked asymmetry consistent with the gross pathological findings observed during surgery (Figure 4). Postoperative treatment consisting of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory therapy, tetanus prophylaxis, supportive care, and routine wound management resulted in uncomplicated healing, with no evidence of haemorrhage, infection, or wound dehiscence. The ram maintained normal appetite and activity throughout recovery and was discharged in stable condition after one week. This case demonstrates that bilateral orchidectomy combined with scrotal ablation can provide an effective surgical solution for severe chronic unilateral testicular enlargement when advanced diagnostic facilities are unavailable. It further highlights the importance of timely surgical intervention and illustrates a practical management approach for chronic scrotal disorders in resource-limited veterinary practice.