Certain
disorders are rather common occurrences in many older dogs and are
potentially life threatening. In the female dog, conditions such as
mammary gland tumors and pyometra, as well as the less serious false
pregnancy and mis-mating, can be prevented to varying degrees by
ovariohysterectomy. If your mature dog has already had such surgery you
have removed the sources of several major threats to her continuing
good health.
Although
castration of the male will similarly prevent at least two reproductive
disorders related to aging, side effects are more extensive and such
surgery is rarely recommended for preventive reasons. The treatment of
existing reproductive disease may, however, require such an operation.
Balanoposthitis:
This inflammation of the penis and prepuce (sheath) is seen with
variable frequency in dogs of all ages, even young puppies, but is more
common in aging males. Small amounts of yellow or grayish discharge at
the opening of the prepuce are apparent although the dog's licking at
the area may clean most of it away. In several cases, the amount of
discharge is quite large and will be greenish and pus-like, often
matting the surrounding abdominal hair in long-coated dogs. The surface
of the penis and the lining of the prepuce develop multiple little
bumps, called lymphoid follicles, and bacteria actively begin to grow
in the secretions. Should your dog have this problem, you will often
find some of the discharge on the various surfaces that he lies on for
any length of time.
You can usually
clear up mild cases yourself by gently flushing out the sheath twice
daily with hydrogen peroxide solution for a week or ten days. Using a
rubber human ear syringe to hold the peroxide, insert its tip into the
sheath opening, at the same time pulling the sheath gently toward the
syringe. This will avoid the syringe tip touching the penis. Holding
the sheath opening firmly around the syringe tip, slowly instill the
peroxide until the prepuce distends slightly. Remove the syringe,
keeping the prepuce opening closed, and gently massage the fluid back
and forth within the sheath. Release the opening, let the fluid drain
out, and carefully clean the surrounding area.
More severe
cases should be treated by your veterinarian and may require the
application of irritating medications to these delicate tissues. This
would, of course, be done under anesthesia and probably followed with
soothing antibiotic ointments which you would continue at home as
instructed.
Your older dog
may be recurrently bothered by this condition. Regular flushing with
peroxide or the application of an antibiotic ointment or both, done
once or twice weekly should keep the discharge under control and avoid
the more serious problems.
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.
