What is and what are the symptoms of Balanoposthitis in dogs?

dog peeing on the street

Balanoposthitis can occur in these pets and is characterized by inflammation of the glans or presence of pus discharge from the reproductive organ of the dog and is that dogs, like any living being, run the risk of suffering from various types of diseases.

Of course, observing that the dog shows some negative symptoms on the penis is a warning sign for any owner and should urgently resort to consulting the veterinarian. Although it is more common than diseases related to the penis of dogs occur in pets that have not been neutered You should always be attentive to the hygiene and care of the pet.

Balanoposthitis concept

disease in the reproductive area of ​​the dog called Balanoposthitis

This type of discomfort is very uncomfortable and painful and change the character of the pet if it is not diagnosed and treated in time, since they can generate serious problems or the death of the animal. Everyone is prone to acquiring an infection or injury that develops an infection in the penile area, so it is important to be vigilant and go promptly to ensure an early diagnosis that can avoid degradable outcomes.

Balanoposthitis is the name given to a canine disease whose most obvious symptom is inflammation of the part of the penis called the glans and is also called balanitis.

This is accompanied by a prostitis that affects the lining of the foreskin. As is normal, bacteria live in the foreskin that do not affect the dog thanks to the immune system, however if this pet's immune system fails for some reason bacteria are strongly activated and affect the health of the animal.

When microorganisms increase excessively in the area of ​​the dog's reproductive system, an infection known as balanoposthitis is present. The most vulnerable ages are when the dog is a puppy or older. However, it can also occur in other stages of the pet's development.

Causes of balanoposthitis in dogs

The main villains in the proliferation of balanoposthitis are bacteria such as Escherichia coli or E. Coli, being this very famous for causing various problems of infections in the reproductive system of animals. Although it is lodged in the intestines, it usually causes various problems when the immune system is weakened.

It has been shown through studies that they can also influence other microorganisms and bacteria that and reproduce naturally in the dog's foreskin. These agents are harmful when such reproduction is in excess, a situation that occurs when defenses are vulnerable.

Other bacteria that have also been involved in the presence of balanoposthitis are the Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma. Although they have been involved less frequently, some tests have made them responsible for the symptoms.

These bacteria are activated when the dog presents a dermatitis or canine herpes. Wounds produced by objects containing tin among their composition materials also cause disease or illness. phimosis, paraphimosis and in the last case malignant and even benign tumors.

Sad pug
Related article:
How to avoid dermatitis in dogs

Symptom

disease in the reproductive area of ​​the dog called Balanoposthitis

The first sign that the dog's health is compromised is a change in the pet's mood and temperament. They can become aggressive and complain through sounds like crying. They also avoid activity and the routine changes, apart from seeking to rest or sleep more than they were used to. Loss of appetite also occurs when they feel bad.

In the case of balanoposthitis the pet will begin to lick the affected area of ​​the penis more frequently. The reproductive organ of the dog begins to secrete significant amounts of pus they are nothing more than white blood cells fighting infection. The slimy-textured fluid may be yellow or green in color depending on the cause or extent of the infection.

Male pets normally secrete a yellow fluid from their penis while they sleep. This should not be confused with balanoposthitis, as it is perfectly normal. To consider it an infection, they should observe the symptoms mentioned above. 

It is possible that the secretions of pus caused by the infection are accompanied by blood and the area is tender, inflamed and some ulcerative lesions or follicles can be observed. It is also characteristic that it has a strong and fetid odor. 

Transmission

From the first moment that the pet owner begins to observe the symptoms that the dog has discomfort in the penis, he should immediately take him to the veterinarian. Must be avoid making a diagnosis and much less medicating the pet without having carried out the necessary studies.

For the veterinarian to make a correct diagnosis, he must have a physical examination that begins with the observation of the dog's penis, then he will proceed to make a culture of aerobic bacteria that includes the  mycoplasma of the foreskin and penile mucosa. In addition, a urine test and blood tests are performed.

The results that the study should produce is identify the type of microorganisms that are involved in the presence of the infection. In this way, the type of treatment to be followed and the possible triggers of balanoposthitis can be defined.

The first thing is to attack the infection with antibiotics and ointments that provide quick relief to the pet. Maintaining the hygiene of the affected area is essential so it is very likely that you will be instructed to clean the penis with hot water that is allowed to return to a suitable temperature or iodine. It should be avoided at all costs that the pet continues to lick the penis.

If balanoposthitis is caused by atopic dermatitis, your vet may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids. If the case of balanoposthitis has advanced too much and the situation shows a complicated picture, the last option is to remove the penis with surgery.

Finally and if the causes of balanoposthitis are caused by a cancerous tumor then the pet will need to undergo surgery to remove the tumor and then continue with the treatment indicated by the veterinarian.

Recommendations

Statistics have shown that neutered dogs are much less likely to suffer from penis-related diseases so it is convenient that the owners seriously consider this possibility as prevention.

During the recovery process it is necessary to understand that the pet must be at rest and keep away from any activity or circumstances that cause stress. They must also ensure that the dog is fed and hydrated properly.


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