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 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.
Surgery to correct phimosis can range widely. Please consult your veterinarian on how much treatment may cost.
Full recovery occurs after surgical correction
Rechecks are not typically necessary.
Since phimosis is a congenital disorder, affected dogs should not be used for breeding.
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