Section: Follow-up
Optimal treatment for your pet requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Follow-up can be critical, especially if your pet does not improve rapidly.
Administer all medications as directed. Alert your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems treating your pet.
Antibiotics are generally given for at least two to three weeks. The antibiotics may need to be changed based on the results of the cultures taken.
If your pet was castrated the incision and scrotum should be checked daily for any signs of swelling or discharge. Occasionally blood may ooze into the scrotum post-operatively causing a scrotal hematoma (blood clot). Scrotal hematomas may become quite large and can be painful, but they usually resolve on their own. Occasionally they require surgery.
If your dog is taking prednisone, the dose will need to be adjusted, by your veterinarian, pending the response to therapy.
Animals with both acute and chronic orchitis are prone to having repeated episodes of infection if they are not neutered. Recheck physical examinations, testicular palpation and good communication are important parts of continued care.
