Balanoposthitis in dogs, also known as a dog penile infection, is an uncomfortable — and let’s face it, pretty unpleasant — condition that affects a dog’s penis and the surrounding sheath (prepuce). 

While it might sound like a serious condition, balanoposthitis is usually treatable and often preventable with good hygiene and prompt veterinary care. 

But what actually is balanoposthitis? Let’s dig into the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process, so you can help your pup get back to being their happy self.

In dogs, a small amount of clear discharge from the penis is normal. But if you notice pus-like or bloody discharge along with swelling or redness, it’s a sign something isn’t right and needs a vet’s attention. 

This inflammation, called balanoposthitis, can happen for lots of reasons: bites, injuries, infections, or even small objects like grass or sand getting trapped in the sheath (prepuce). While treatment is usually straightforward, it’s super important to figure out what’s causing the issue to stop it from coming back.

This infection is essentially inflammation of the penis and prepuce, often with a discharge that looks like mucus or pus. It’s pretty common in sexually mature male dogs and is usually mild, often clearing up on its own. 

But if it sticks around or gets worse, it can cause bigger problems like pain, infections, difficulty urinating or mating, fever, and in extreme cases, tissue damage. 

Catching the signs of balanoposthitis early can save your dog a lot of discomfort, and even spare you from dealing with worsening symptoms. 

Here’s what to look out for:

And if balanoposthitis goes untreated, it can lead to more serious issues, such as:

If your dog is showing signs like lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite, the infection might have spread or become more serious, possibly also tied to a dog urinary tract infection.

Don’t wait — call your vet ASAP to get help and prevent further issues down the line.

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Causes of balanoposthitis in your dog may include:

If you suspect your dog has balanoposthitis, a vet visit is a must! A full exam will be conducted by your vet to determine why your dog has become inflamed in these areas. 

They’ll also ask about recent behaviors, like licking or straining during urination, and whether your dog has been in potentially dirty environments.

Things your veterinarian will look for are foreign bodies lodged in the prepuce, lacerations, masses, abscesses, blisters, ulcerations, and other signs of infection. 

Any changes in appetite, behavior or elimination can be important for a correct diagnosis, so be prepared to tell your vet if these have been happening recently.

Your vet might also conduct an analysis of preputial smears, infected tissues, bacterial cultures, biopsy, and papules or blisters. 

If urinary issues are present, your vet may order X-rays or an ultrasound of the bladder, prostate, and genital areas. This is to check for any masses, infections or blockages that may be causing the issue.

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Luckily, most cases of balanoposthitis are treatable with the right care. The type of treatment will depend on if it’s a mild or more severe case:

If your dog has a mild case of balanoposthitis, you may not need to do much at all! This is especially common in sexually mature dogs with slightly mucopurulent (mucus-like) discharge, and it often clears up on its own. If your vet recommends treatment, simple antiseptic flushes or topical antibiotics can help speed up recovery.

For more severe cases, treatment is a bit more involved. Your vet will start by removing any foreign objects, like bits of debris or hair, that might be causing the irritation. Next, they’ll thoroughly clean the penis and prepuce with an antiseptic solution. Depending on the severity and the cause, your dog may need:

If an underlying cause, like a bacterial infection or urinary tract problem, is identified, it’ll need to be treated to prevent future flare-ups. Your vet will likely work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your dog’s needs.

Even with proper care, recurrence can happen if the root cause isn’t fully addressed. Keeping up with your vet’s recommendations and monitoring your dog closely can make all the difference!

Once treatment begins, your dog should start feeling better soon - hooray! But recovery doesn’t end when symptoms improve. Ongoing care is key to preventing recurrence.

By staying on top of your dog’s care, you can help them stay happy, healthy, and infection-free.

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