Phimosis in Dogs

Phimosis

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Updated on September 26, 2024
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
This is a condition in which the opening of the prepuce (the skin that covers the penis) is too small. This may result in an inability to protrude or retract the penis.
SEVERITY:
Severity is mild to moderate

  • Diagnosis Icon
    Requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian
  • Time to Cure
    Typically resolves after surgery
  • Treatment Icon
    Treatable by a veterinarian

VERY COMMON IN
Any dog is at risk. There are breed predispositions to congenital phimosis. The following breeds are prone to congenital phimosis: Bouvier des Flandres, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever.

Symptoms & Signs

There may not be any symptoms of phimosis while the pet is small. However, when the pet is fully grown, the narrow opening can prevent them from being able to extend their penis adequately for urination, and urine may pool within the prepuce. This can cause dribbling of urine, infection, and inflammation. Clinical signs relate to urine that gets trapped within the narrowed prepuce. Pets may have irritation around the prepuce from urine scalding. Phimosis also results in unsuccessful mating. These males frequently traumatize themselves during mating attempts, which results in blood dripping from the preputial opening. Once phimosis is identified, neutering is recommended in addition to surgical correction, as phimosis is heritable.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of phimosis is straightforward. The veterinarian will attempt to push the penis through the preputial opening. If the penis cannot be exposed, the pet will be diagnosed with phimosis. Parphimosis may be diagnosed when a dog experiences an erection and is unable to retract the penis. In these cases, the preputial opening is smaller than optimal but not significantly constrictive.

Causation

Phimosis is a congenital condition where the opening of the prepuce is too narrow to allow the penis to fully extend.  

Treatments

icon AT-HOME CARE
Activity should be limited after surgery for 10-14 days. Prevent licking of the surgical site until completely healed.
icon SUPPORTIVE CARE
None
icon MEDICATIONS
Anti-inflammatory medications, such as carprofen, may be prescribed after surgery. If your pet has an infection within the prepuce, antibiotics will be prescribed.
icon DEVICES
None
icon SURGERY
Phimosis can be corrected with surgery. The opening of the prepuce is enlarged to allow full extension of the penis. If urine pooling is not a problem and the pet is not used for breeding, surgical correction may not be necessary.
icon SPECIALISTS
Most general practice veterinarians can diagnose and treat cases of phimosis.

Cost Of Treatment

Surgery to correct phimosis can range widely. Please consult your veterinarian on how much treatment may cost.

Recovery

Full recovery occurs after surgical correction

Monitoring

Rechecks are not typically necessary.

Prevention

Since phimosis is a congenital disorder, affected dogs should not be used for breeding.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.