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Swollen penis

Species: Dog
Breed: Bichon/Maltese
Age: 2-5 years
Charlie's penis is enlarged and pussing but the puss is not excessive.
I really only noticed something was amiss with the puss yesterday. However, upon reflection, his penis has been larger for a week now.
At the moment it is enlarged within the foreskin and it feels like the bulbourethral gland is slightly swollen.

Charlie is 3.5 yrs, not fixed. He has never successful mated with a female but humps his teddy bear almost daily to the point of ejaculation. He has been eating well, drinking, playing. His pee patterns have not changed but I've noticed in the last 3 outtings he has 2 or 3 bowl movements in the time we are out. It was a bit constipated today. Charlie's diet is 40% protein (chicken breast or pork), 50% rice, 10% mixed vegetables, that I cook. He has been eating cooked food since weaning. I also leave a bowl (1 cup) of dry puppy chow out at all times; he usually finishes it in 5 days.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Ouch! Charlie really does look sore.

I've included the picture that you sent me here:

swollen penis

I can't say that I've seen many penises that look like this. From the photos it really looks like he either has an injury or infection such as an abscess.

Because the penis is such a sensitive area, if he hit it on something it could bruise very easily. It may be that this is just severe bruising.

An abscess could be caused by any sort of break in the skin. It's possible that he injured himself while pumping his teddy bear. If he had any sort of wound, it could have become infected causing this swelling.

It is also possible that he has a problem with having a persistent erection, but I would expect to see the penis protruding from the sheath if this was the case.

A persistent erection can be a very serious problem, and for this reason I would advise that you have his vet see him as soon as possible.

Until then if Charlie will let you, it would be a good idea to put an ice pack with a T-shirt over it on this area for 10 minutes at a time several times over the day.

Here are some other things that would make me want to see the vet right away:

-if he is unable to urinate or seems to be having great difficulty urinating.
-if it seems to be getting worse rather than better.
-if you just feel that he's very uncomfortable. Often it is best to follow our gut. If your gut is saying that this is something serious and have him seen right away.

I hope he feels better soon!

Dr. Marie


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Thank you for your reply.
I'm happy to report that the pussing has stopped. I applied Bacitin ointment mixed with Neosporin powder last night and it did the trick. It's still a bit swollen but it doesn't seem to be slowing him down. However,I know it's still bothering him somewhat as when I insert the Q-tip of ointment under the foreskin, he doesn't fuss but instead kisses me.

I took his temp and its pretty normal at 99.99. Since there is no fever, should I just continue for a few days witn the ointment?

Thank you.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

I'm glad to hear that things are improving. The Neosporin probably helps a little although it's not usually a miracle cure.

As long as he is eating well, not extremely uncomfortable, able to urinate and continuing to improve then you are ok to keep doing what you are doing.

Dr. Marie.



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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.