Unleashing the Truth Behind Canine Paraphimosis: When Nature Takes an Awkward Turn
Being graced by the presence of a dog is a true honor. Most pet owners agree that adding a dog to the family brings (almost) nothing but positive experiences—and lots of love. Sometimes, though, having a dog in the house can lead to some pretty gross side effects. Canine paraphimosis is one of these not-so-glamorous parts of dog ownership, but don’t worry. Your friends at Western Veterinary Center are here with all the details about this weird element of male dog reproductive anatomy.
Canine Paraphimosis
What exactly is canine paraphimosis? Just like in humans, canine genitalia has certain characteristics that are useful in…certain moments. When a male dog gets an erection, you might notice a pinkish tube that looks like a red rocket or a cylinder of lipstick. Paraphimosis occurs when the erection does not retract into the preputial sheath, which is the furry part of skin that covers the penis. While the rare occurance of paraphimosis can be harmless, in certain circumstances, it is considered a veterinary emergency.
What Causes Paraphimosis in Dogs?
There can be a few different causes of paraphimosis in dogs. In many cases, it occurs when a dog gets sexually excited and something (often hair) blocks the penis from retracting. Because unneutered males are more likely to demonstrate their excitement (like when they hump someone’s leg), the condition is more common for them, but it can happen to neutered males too. Other causes can include:
- Odd shapes for certain parts of the anatomy (like the preputial sheath)
- A tumor
- A neurological problem
- An injury to the genitals
- A broken bone in the penis
When to Worry
Paraphimosis is considered a canine medical emergency if you can identify with any of the following:
- The “red rocket” looks larger than it usually does
- It lasts for a noticeable amount of time
- There is visible swelling on or around the genitals
- You notice some of the flesh looks purple (this could indicate restricted blood flow)
- Your dog is repeatedly licking around the area
If you think your dog might be suffering from canine paraphimosis, please call us a call at (805) 957-PETS (7387). Our staff will listen to your dog’s symptoms and determine if he needs to come in for treatment.