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MALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT DISORDERS |
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Discharge from
the sheath
(balanoposthitis) |
A male dog normally produces a cream-yellow coloured lubricant in the sheath (smegma). Injury or infection to the sheath or penis can cause increased redness, excessive drip that may be foul-smelling, and licking. To treat, the sheath is flushed with warm saline or dilute antiseptic — this reduces the quantity of discharge. If the problem is due to bacterial infection, the dog is treated with antibiotics. |
Penis stuck out
of sheath
(paraphimosis) |
During an erection, the bulbourethral gland on a dog's penis can swell so much it is too wide to retract into the sheath. If the erection is prolonged, the penis becomes dry and cannot be withdrawn. To treat this condition, lubricate the penis with water-soluble jelly and slide it back in its sheath. If this is not possible, keep it moistened with lubricant and get veterinary help. |
Undescended
testicles |
There is a high incidence of cancer in undescended testicles. Abdominal testicles may be surgically removed. Partly descended testicles that have passed through the inguinal ring should be monitored for changes in texture or size, and removed if and when necessary. Because this condition is inherited, dogs with partly or completely undescended testicles should not be used for breeding. |
Scrotal or
testicular
enlargement |
The most likely cause of testicle enlargement is a testicular tumour. To treat, tumours are surgically removed and identified by a pathologist. Malignancy is very rare. Infection or injury from dog bites, frostbite, or contact with corrosive chemicals can also cause painful enlargement. A moist scrotal skin infection causes weeping skin damage that heals into a hard, carapace-like scab, giving the impression of testicle enlargement. Penetrating injuries are treated with pain killers and antibiotics. |
Prostate
problems |
The prostate may become infected when there is either bladder or urethra infection. All prostates increase in size with time, reaching maximum size usually between six and ten years of age. This swelling pushes upon the floor of the rectum, causing a bottleneck for stool to pass through. Initial signs of "benign hyperplasia" include difficulty passing stools. In rare instances hyperplasia can produce small to enormous prostatic cysts that can cause rectal obstruction. Prostate tumours are uncommon. A dog may be treated with injections of delmadinone, but if severe, hyperplasia is reduced by castration. |
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