Inflammation of the Penis and Prepuce in Dogs

Symptoms of penile and foreskin inflammation include:

• Discharge from the penis or foreskin that is mucopurulent (mucus mixed with pus), purulent (pus), or bloody
• Excessively licking or biting the foreskin or genital area
• Inflammation and swelling of penis and foreskin
• Ulcers present in foreskin and penile mucosa, or the skin inside the foreskin
• Blisters on penis and foreskin
• Bleeding from penis or foreskin
• Cuts or tears on the penis and foreskin
• Pain in foreskin and penile area
• Abnormal tissue growth on penis
• Incontinence
• Trouble urinating
• Discharge from urethra
• Urine dribbling
• Urinary tract infection
• Kidney stones
• Dry, scaly patches on penis and foreskin, indicative of atopic dermatitis 
• Raised follicles on penis in cases of hyperemia

If the condition is left untreated, these signs of a more serious infection may develop:

• Abscess on penis or foreskin
• Stenosis, or when the foreskin cannot fully retract and can restrict or close the opening of the penis
• Phimosis, or the inability to extrude the penis
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Lack of appetite
• Penis and foreskin scarring
• Pain during copulation
• Reduced libido
• Necrosis of tissues

Causes of balanoposthitis in your dog may include:

• Trauma
• Snake or insect bite
• Foreign body, such as hair, string, cords, grass, sand or other small objects
• Bacterial infection, such as Mycoplasma and Staphylococcus
• Viral infection, such as canine herpesvirus and calicivirus
• Fungal infection, such as Malassezia
• Protozoal infection
• Self-trauma, such as excessive licking
• Atopic dermatitis
• Urinary tract infection
• Poor hygiene
• Hyperemia of the penis, or an excess of blood flow

Based on the symptoms present, your veterinarian may suspect balanoposthitis. A full exam of the penis and prepuce will be conducted to determine why your dog has become inflamed in these areas. Things your veterinarian will look for are foreign bodies lodged in the foreskin, lacerations, masses, abscesses, blisters, ulcerations, and other signs of certain infections. Any changes in appetite, behavior or elimination can be important for a correct diagnosis, so be prepared to tell your veterinarian if these have occurred.

Analysis of preputial smears, infected tissues, bacterial cultures, biopsy, and papules or blisters can aid in correcting identifying the cause.

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

Depending on the severity of the balanoposthitis, treatment can vary.

In cases of mild balanoposthitis, which is slightly mucopurulent and is common in sexually mature dogs, treatment is generally not required as the condition resolves on its own. If needed, antiseptic flushes and topical antibiotics can be applied. 

In more severe cases, treatment begins with removal of any foreign bodies if present, then an antiseptic cleanse of the penis and foreskin areas. Antibiotic ointments are applied to areas for 2 to 4 weeks. Any abscesses present will be lanced, drained and cleaned. Surgery may be needed in rare cases to remove any abnormal tissue growth.

If the underlying cause has been identified, it will need to be treated as well. Your veterinarian will discuss a treatment plan appropriate to the condition. Even with treatment, recurrence of the condition is common. This is especially true when the underlying cause is not correctly identified and treated.