Our pets know no shame when it comes to their private parts. Some male dogs are more “exuberant” than others and sometimes in a moment of excitement the male organ can be seen peeking out.
Nothing strange, except that sometimes this condition does not spontaneously return to normal. in this case we are talking about canine paraphimosisa disease of the male reproductive system.
Male reproductive system of the dog
The male dog’s reproductive system is made up of different organs and structures, such as:
- Scrotum: the sheath that contains the testicles;
- Male gonads (testes): responsible for the production of sperm and the secretion of sex hormones such as testosterone;
- Epididymis, vas deferens, spermatic cords: with the function of storage, maturation and transport of sperm;
- Urethra: terminal tract of the excretory tract common to the urinary and reproductive systems;
- Prostate: multifunctional gland, contributes for example to the motility and vitality of sperm;
- Penis and foreskin: the other two structures of choice of the male reproductive system directly involved in canine paraphimosis.
Dog penis anatomy
The penis is thecopulatory organ par excellence, retractable, it is used to facilitate mating. In the dog, however, it has an unusual peculiarity. In most animal species, the penis is a richly vascularized muscle, which does not require additional supporting bone structures.
In the male dog, on the other hand, there is thepenile bonewhich has the function of providing additional support by facilitating penetration even in the event of incomplete erection.
The foreskin of the dog
Il foreskin it is the tubular sheath which, when the dog’s penis is not erect, covers it in its entirety. The conjunction between the two is ensured by special muscles.
The foreskin performs two main functions:
- protective: prevents injuries, irritations and prevents the entry of microorganisms by acting as a shield,
- lubricant: through the production of a special liquid that prevents irritation and promotes mating.
Canine paraphimosis and phimosis are some of them pathologies of the foreskin more frequent.
Symptoms and causes of paraphimosis in dogs
If you have ever seen your dog’s “lipstick” peeking out of its skin envelope and then returning after a few minutes (or once the stimulus has been eliminated), there is no need to worry. Unless this situation persists beyond a limited time, therefore it is important to learn to recognize symptoms and causes of dog paraphimosis.
What is paraphimosis in dogs?
Canine paraphimosis is the inability to retract the penis into the foreskin. More precisely, we speak of paraphimosis when the dog’s penis does not fit into its sheath (the foreskin) within 25-30 minutes.
Paraphimosis is aveterinary emergency
Sand after this time, your Fido’s penis has not returned to its place, go to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Causes of paraphimosis in dogs
In most cases, paraphimosis occurs when, for some reason, the size of the erect penis changes, making it impossible to reposition it. This can happen, for example, after mating.
Someone possible causes are:
- circulation disturbances
- trauma (even during penetration)
- foreign bodies (e.g. forasacchi)
- neoplasms
Symptoms of paraphimosis in dogs
The predominant symptom of paraphimosis is the failure to retract the penis inside the foreskin within half an hour of its extrusion.
Furthermore, it is possible to note:
- The surface of the penis that is dry, sore, or a paler color
- The penis may appear swollen and inflamed;
- Difficulty or inability to urinate.
A local disorder such as paraphimosis, if left untreated, can evolve to the point of becoming systemic. In this case we could have symptoms such as:
Canine paraphimosis and penile cancer
There may be a correlation between paraphimosis and neoplasms (eg. foreskin tumor), however tumors can affect any organ or structure of the male reproductive system and be accompanied by very different clinical symptoms depending on where they develop.
Some types of tumors in dogs are transmissible by venereal route.
Diagnosis and treatment of paraphimosis in dogs
The diagnosis of paraphimosis does not require complex investigations, but for the prognosis to be favorable it is important to intervene immediately with the correct management of the problem.
Diagnosis of paraphimosis in dogs
The diagnosis of paraphimosis will follow on careful examination veterinary visit.
In some cases the only one inspection local it allows to highlight the typical signs: penile blood stasis (stenosis, strangulation of the penis) or tissue necrosis. The vet will also be able to identify oedemas, painful areas or any neoplastic growths (Sticker’s sarcoma or venereal tumor).
Treatment of paraphimosis in dogs
The treatment of paraphimosis depends on the cause that triggered it: in case of infections, antibiotic therapy may also be necessary.
To facilitate retraction, you can try using lubricant, but always ask your trusted veterinarian for advice first.
Surgical intervention in canine paraphimosis
Surgery is often decisive and aimed at restoring the correct functionality of the penis and foreskin.
It must be done as soon as possible to avoid further complications and to prevent degeneration and necrosis (cell death) of surrounding tissue. The surgeon will also do a thorough cleaning of any necrotic areas.
Other pathologies of the canine penis
Phimosis and phimosis serrata
Inability to unsheath the penis resulting from a preputial stenosis, i.e. a narrowing, or even an obstruction, which prevents it from coming out of its sheath.
In phimosis there may be an opening insufficient of the prepuce, while in the phimosis serrata complete closure occurs.
Foreign bodies in the dog’s penis
When the dog’s penis peeps out, it is exposed to the risk of trapping foreign bodies that could block the passage: forasacks, hair, debris that cause irritation can predispose to phimosis and paraphimosis, as well as other pathologies of the reproductive system.
Lichen planus in the dog
Il common planus it is a dermatological-based pathology that can affect male dogs even in the private parts: it can be recognized by the presence of red or purple bubbles all over the skin. The cause is often an adverse reaction to some type of medication.
Dog penile fracture
The fracture of the penile bone in dogs is a rather rare, but possible episode.
Depending on the degree of severity of the fracture, different symptoms may occur, but almost always characterized by irregular urination, hematuria (blood in the urine) and tissue swelling.
Prevention of paraphimosis and pathologies of the penis of the dog
If you plan to have your dog mated, submit him to a preventive check-up to avoid the possibility of asymptomatic venereal diseases and to make sure that Fido’s reproductive system is healthy.
- Castration helps to preserve the health of the male reproductive system, effectively reducing the incidence of tumours.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of periodic checks: the vet will establish the safest frequency with which to carry out the check-up depending on his age and state of health.
- Always guarantee proper hygiene in the spaces where Fido spends most of his time
- Supervise any couplings so that you can intervene promptly in the event of paraphimosis or phimosis in your dog.