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Preputial
Discharge (Licking Penis) in Dogs
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Preputial Discharge (licking penis) in Dogs
Licking of Genital Area
Preputial Discharge (Licking Penis) in Dogs
Dr. Bari Spielman
Section: Overview
Preputial discharge is any substance flowing from the prepuce, which
is the fold of skin that covers the penis. Often, licking at the prepuce/penis
accompanies the discharge, so we may use the terms interchangeably.
General Causes
Preputial discharge may consist of blood, urine or pus. The normal
dog should have no discharge, although a small amount of whitish-yellow
“smegma” can accumulate around the preputial opening, and is not considered
clinically significant.
There are many potential causes. These include:
Disorders affecting the prepuce, including neoplasia (cancer),
trauma, foreign body or inflammation of the penis/prepuce (balanoposthitis).
Disorders of the urethra, including neoplasia, trauma or stones
(calculi).
Disorders of the urinary bladder including infection, calculi,
inflammation or neoplasia.
Disorders of the prostate, including infection or inflammation
of the prostate (prostatitis), neoplasia, enlargement (hyperplasia), cyst
or abscess.
Bleeding disorders (coagulopathies) including decreased platelet
count (thrombocytopenia) or ingestion of rat poison
Urinary incontinence (inability to hold urine) secondary to an
ectopic (abnormally placed) ureter or improperly functioning sphincter
(tissue that acts like a door, controlling the release of urine).
The presence of preputial discharge most often suggests an underlying
problem, ranging from a mild, relatively benign disorder, to a severe, even
life threatening disease (such as a coagulopathy)
What to Watch For
Spotting
Swelling or inflammation associated with the prepuce/penis
Excessive licking
Any discharge
Lethargy
Fever
Lack of appetite
Veterinary Care
Diagnostic Tests
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination including
a thorough exam of the penis and prepuce. The following tests may also
be recommended:
Baseline tests to include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical
profile and urinalysis. Although results may be within normal limits, they
may reveal overt infection and inflammation.
A bacterial urine culture to rule out a urinary tract infection
A bacterial culture and cytology of the preputial discharge
A coagulation (clotting) profile to document a coagulopathy in cases
of hemorrhagic discharge.
Abdominal radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate the urogenital tract, including
the prostate
Abdominal ultrasound to assess the prostate and urinary structures
Treatment
Although specific therapy may be indicated once a definitive diagnosis
is established, there are several things that can be done to treat the
symptoms while awaiting test results.
Remove or treat any obvious inciting or underlying cause, such as foreign
body, tumor or infection
Flush the prepuce daily with antiseptic solution.
Home Care
Administer all prescribed medication as directed by your veterinarian.
Observe your pet closely. If the clinical signs are not improving or
are getting worse, contact your veterinarian at once.
© Copyright 1999-2007 Intelligent
Content Corp., All Rights Reserved
"This article has been provided courtesy of PetPlace.com http://www.petplace.com
the definitive online source for
pet news, health,and wellness information."
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Licking of Genital Area in Dogs
Section: Overview
A normal healthy dog keeps him/herself relatively clean. In addition
to cleaning their legs and body, dogs will also lick their genital areas
in an attempt to remove dirt, discharge or debris. Excessive licking in
this area may indicate a medical problem and can be a cause for concern.
Causes in Males
In males, abnormal preputial discharge can result in excessive licking.
Preputial discharge is any substance emanating (flowing) from the prepuce
(the fold of skin that covers the penis). Preputial discharge may consist
of blood, urine or pus. The normal dog should have no discharge; however
a small amount of whitish-yellow “smegma” can accumulate around the preputial
opening, and is not considered clinically significant.
Causes of excessive discharge include:
Disorders affecting the prepuce, including neoplasia (cancer), trauma,
foreign body or balanoposthitis (inflammation of the penis/prepuce)
Disorders of the urethra, including neoplasia, trauma or calculi (stones)
Disorders of the urinary bladder including infection, calculi, inflammation
or neoplasia
Disorders of the prostate, including prostatitis (infection or inflammation
of the prostate), neoplasia, hyperplasia (enlargement), cyst or abscess
Coagulopathies (bleeding disorders) including thrombocytopenia (decreased
platelet count) and ingestion of rat poison
Urinary incontinence (inability to hold urine) secondary to an ectopic
(abnormally placed) ureter or improperly functioning sphincter (tissue
that acts like a door, controlling the release of urine)
Causes in Females
In females, abnormal vaginal discharge can result in excessive licking.
Vaginal discharge is any substance emanating (flowing) from the vulvar labia
(the external female genitals). Vaginal discharge may be a normal part
of the heat cycle in dogs or as a normal finding in the postpartum (afterbirth)
period, sometimes lasting 6 to 8 weeks. Causes of excessive abnormal discharge
include:
Urogenital tract infections (urinary tract infection, pyometra/infected
uterus)
Neoplasia (cancer) of the urogenital tract
Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) or inflammation anywhere in
the urogenital tract
Coagulation (clotting) disorders (associated with rat poison, low platelets)
Trauma or foreign body of the urogenital tract
Urinary incontinence (inability to hold urine) secondary to an ectopic
(abnormally placed) ureter or problem with the sphincter (the tissue that
acts like a door, controlling the release of urine)
Retained placenta (the organ that unites the fetus with the lining
of the uterus) or fetal death
The presence of genital discharge most often suggests an underlying
problem, ranging from a mild, relatively benign disorder, to a severe, even
life threatening disease.
What To Watch For
Excessive licking
Spotting
Discharge
Swelling of genital area
Diagnosis
It is important to perform a thorough physical examination, including
a thorough genital examination. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend
the following diagnostic tests:
A complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile and urinalysis are
recommended. Although often within normal limits, there may be evidence
of infection or inflammation
A bacterial urine culture to rule out a urinary tract infection
Cytology (cells obtained from the discharge) and bacterial culture
of the discharge
A coagulation profile in cases of bloody discharge, and/or if a clotting
problem is suspected
Abdominal radiographs (X-ray) assess for the presence of a pyometra
(infected uterus) in an intact (not spayed) female and prostate abnormalities
in the male
Abdominal ultrasound is helpful in a more thorough evaluation of the
abdominal structures
Treatment
There are several things your veterinarian might recommend to treat
the patient with genital discharge and excessive licking.
Remove or treat any obvious inciting or underlying cause, such as foreign
body, tumor or infection
Vaginitis in young dogs usually resolves after the first heat; therefore,
no therapy is indicated
Daily flushing and cleansing of the vagina or prepuce can be of benefit
in many cases
Home Care
Administer all prescribed medication as directed by your veterinarian
and observe your pet closely. If the clinical signs are not improving or
getting worse, contact your veterinarian at once.
© Copyright 1999-2007 Intelligent Content
Corp., All Rights Reserved
"This article has been provided courtesy of PetPlace.com http://www.petplace.com
the definitive online source for pet news,
health,and wellness information."
The above information is simply informational.
It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you
in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian
for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
