[2] Trochosuchus therefore cannot be distinguished from other lycosuchids (i.e. Lycosuchus and Simorhinella) by its canines alone, and consequently the genus is now regarded by researchers as a nomen dubium (dubious name) based on Lycosuchidae incertae sedis.

[3][4] The holotype specimen, SAM-PK-1076, was collected by the Reverend J. H. Whaits at the Rietfontein 56 farm in Prince Albert, South Africa, from deposits of the middle-Permian aged Tapinocephalus Assemblage Zone.

[6] However, the specimen only preserved the weathered back third of the skull, lacking the snout, and so cannot be compared with the holotype and is only discernible as a moderately large early therocephalian.

[3] Although it is a nomen dubium, Trochosuchus has a convoluted taxonomic history, largely due to the instability of early therocephalian systematics during the 20th century.

[3] In an unpublished PhD thesis from 1987, Juri van den Heever revised the taxonomy and systematics of early therocephalians, establishing the basis of its modern framework.