What are Inability to Protrude or Retract Penis?
The inability to completely protrude the penis is called phimosis. The inability to completely retract the penis, alternatively, is called paraphimosis. The causes of each of these conditions can vary, and veterinary intervention may be required if the problem persists. These conditions may be more likely in small dogs, though it can be seen in all breed types. While this can occur at any age, it typically occurs in dogs that are younger than 1 year of age. Paraphimosis usually occurs after the dog has an erection, when the skin at the preputial orifice (the space between the prepuce and glans penis) becomes inverted and traps the penis, keeping it from retracting.
Phimosis (the inability to protrude the penis) and paraphimosis (the inability to retract the penis) are conditions sometimes seen in male dogs. Symptoms may include licking of the penis (due to discomfort), trouble when trying to copulate, trouble urinating, and swelling around the penis.
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Symptoms of Inability to Protrude or Retract Penis in Dogs
- Posthitis (swelling of the foreskin of the penis)
- Smelly discharge
- Trouble urinating
- Excessive licking of the area
- Trouble when trying to copulate
- Visible swelling and redness of the penis
Types
Phimosis
- Phimosis is typically unnoticed in dogs until they try to copulate and are unable to protrude the penis. Treatment may not be required if the dog is not used for breeding, though castration may be considered to prevent arousal. In breeding dogs, surgical widening of the preputial orifice may be required.
Paraphimosis
- Paraphimosis typically occurs after an erection, usually following semen collection or coitus. If the problem persists, veterinarian treatment should be sought. If the problem isn’t addressed, complications including severe edema and pain could develop.
Causes of Inability to Protrude or Retract Penis in Dogs
Paraphimosis
- Inverted skin at preputial orifice
- Small preputial opening
- Priapism (persistent erection, typically painful)
- Foreign objects around the penis
- Band of hair at the preputial orifice that constricts the penis
- Trauma
Phimosis
- Congenital causes
- Neoplasia (formation of a new, abnormal growth)
- Edema (excess of watery fluid collecting in cavities/tissues of the body)
- Fibrosis after trauma (thickening and scarring of connective tissue)
- Inflammation
- Infection
Diagnosis of Inability to Protrude or Retract Penis in Dogs
If there are no other symptoms or problems, a physical exam may be the only required diagnostic test. In the event of other symptoms, additional tests may be required, including:
- Complete blood count
- Serum chemistry profile
- Stress leukogram
- Neutrophilia
Treatment of Inability to Protrude or Retract Penis in Dogs
In cases of phimosis, treatment is only important if the dog is used for breeding, though castration may be considered. Paraphimosis treatments typically require lubrication or other techniques to return the penis to its sheath. Prognosis is good in most cases.
Paraphimosis
Treatment depends largely on the cause of the paraphimosis. Possible treatments include:
- Cleaning and lubrication of exposed penis
- Hypertonic solutions
- Sedation or general anesthesia may be required, depending on cause and/or duration
- Exploratory surgery of the preputial cavity may be necessary
- If the urethra is damaged, temporary placement of a catheter may be necessary
- Removal of any foreign objects
- Cutting of any constricting hairs
- Analgesics (drugs to relieve pain)
- IV may be used for rapid medication administration or fluid therapy
- Penile amputation may be performed if the penis is necrotic (the cells of the penis are dying)
Phimosis
- If the dog isn’t used for breeding, treatment usually isn’t necessary.
- In breeding dogs, surgical enlargement of the preputial orifice may be used to treat the condition
- Castration may be considered in dogs not used for breeding to avoid any future problems.
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Recovery of Inability to Protrude or Retract Penis in Dogs
Recovery and management will vary slightly based on the underlying causes and severity, but typically treatment is fairly simple and a full recovery is possible. In most cases, the recovery period is quick, though this can vary if surgical intervention is required.
Inability to Protrude or Retract Penis Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
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Top
Inability to Protrude or Retract Penis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
can corao
4months
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
My puppys penis is swollen and wont come out he has messed with it so much its bleeding now and he seems very uncomfortabl what can i do. Its bleedung now
Oct. 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
7 Recommendations
Hi there, you are through to Dr Linda.
This can be a true emergency as the sensitive tissue becomes dry and can quickly lose its blood supply.
Hr is likely in a lot of discomfort and needs to see a vet immediately.
Oct. 30, 2020
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can corso
4 Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
My puppys penis is stuck in side and swollen it wont come out and we thi k he has parvo he has messed with it ao much thaat he has a bloody sore on it.
Oct. 30, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
5 Recommendations
Hello-
Thank you for your question. It sounds like he needs to see a veterinarian immediately if his penis is red and swollen and has a sore on it. If your veterinarian is not open I would recommend taking him to a veterinary ER to have it evaluated. They can examine it, determine the problem and provide appropriate treatment for him. Hope he feels better soon.
Oct. 30, 2020
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Teacup yorkie
Seven Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Penis Wont Retract
I woke up to my yorkie who was asleep beside me with his prnis half way out and swollen over the top of his penis skin shaft thing. I've never seen it where it was swollen and won't go in especially when he was asleep. Help
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 21, 2020
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American Bully
Three Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Protruding Penis
I need to find a vet near me to check if my male can be bred
Sept. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
You can find a veterinarian in your area using Google or a phone book, or talking to other people with pets to see which veterinarian they use.
Oct. 24, 2020
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Chihuahua
Ace
5 Months
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Eating, Not Peeing, Pain
My 5 month old Chihuahua's penis has been out for about 2 days now & won't retract. I've tried everything I read o on Google & nothing has worked. It is a very bad time, financially, for a vet bill. Do you have any suggestions?
June 18, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
13 Recommendations
The problem with Ace's penis not being able to go back into it's sheath is that the longer it is out, the more swollen it will become, and the harder it will be to fix that problem. Unfortunately, this will probably require veterinary care for him, as he may need to be sedated and have a suture placed to keep it in until the swelling goes down. Those tissues will start to dry out and become diseased if his problem isn't resolved. Until you can get him seen, you will need to keep those tissues moist with a lubricant jelly. Many clinics do offer a 'free first exam' that may allow you to have him seen, and most clinics do offer CareCredit for unexpected expenses. I hope that everything goes well for him.
June 18, 2018
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Blue Heeler
Beaux
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain
My dog is suffering the same. Started to bleed real bad. Took him to vet had him neutered and tip of penis sewn up to hold it in. Went back 2 weeks later and found out the head of penis is now dying and falling off. Hes on antibiotics but needs a surgery that's costly. I started a GoFundMe for him I'm waiting to see the out.come. he goes back next week. If ur dog has this problem please take to the vet iys not looking good for my baby boy. Prayers are needed
Inability to Protrude or Retract Penis Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$650
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