Paraphimosis represents the protrusion of the penis and its incapability to retract again into the foreskin (prepuce). In some circumstances, it may be a veterinary emergency. This situation may be very painful and might trigger everlasting harm to your canine if not addressed promptly.
In case your canine has a visual, (barely) swollen, purple or purple penis, you need to contact your veterinarian instantly. It is suggested to contact the vet if greater than half-hour have handed since your canine uncovered their penis.
On this article, you’ll be taught what paraphimosis is in canines, the causes of this situation, its medical indicators, and what you are able to do to assist your canine.
What Is Paraphimosis in Canine?
Paraphimosis develops when the prepuce can now not be pulled ahead over the penis. The prepuce or foreskin is the furry sheath that you simply see while you take a look at your canine. It has the function of overlaying and defending the penis. The penis is the pink half that comes out of the foreskin. In paraphimosis, the foreskin catches the externalized penis and prevents regular blood circulation.
If left untreated, paraphimosis can result in problems like penile necrosis and/or urination issues. For these causes, it’s thought-about a medical emergency.
The medical indicators of paraphimosis are apparent, making you in a position to rapidly understand that one thing is fallacious together with your canine. When your canine licks their non-public elements typically and their penis is now not coated by the foreskin and has a purple colour, it’s a good cause to contact the vet.
What Are the Indicators of Paraphimosis in Canine?
When a canine suffers from paraphimosis, they alter their habits. They start to lick their non-public elements extra incessantly, which is able to result in additional irritation and redness of the penis.
Widespread medical indicators of paraphimosis in canines embrace:
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When you see these clinical signs, it’s time to contact the veterinarian as soon as possible. Paraphimosis does not go away by itself and can lead to severe complications.
What Are the Causes of Paraphimosis in Dogs?
Paraphimosis in dogs can have multiple causes. The most common ones include:
In many situations, this pathology is explained by the presence of abnormalities of the preputial muscles. Reasons for the appearance of paraphimosis in dogs include the presence of a too-small foreskin, short foreskin, weakened foreskin muscles, and various traumas. The penis that cannot be retracted may later suffer various physical traumas and become swollen/inflamed. Finally, it can lead to necrosis of the penis secondary to the impairment of blood circulation at the penile level, which may even result in partial amputation in severe cases 1.
Paraphimosis can also occur as a result of the manual collection of semen and, less often, after coitus. When paraphimosis occurs, the skin of the preputial opening becomes inverted, trapping the externalized penis. This leads to the obstruction of the circulation from that level. Paraphimosis must be differentiated from other penile or preputial issues, which is easily done based on the physical examination. Other differential diagnoses may include:
How Is Paraphimosis in Dogs Diagnosed?
Paraphimosis is diagnosed through physical examination: The veterinarian will examine the foreskin and penis of your dog. Depending on the cause that led to this condition, the veterinarian may recommend complementary tests, such as blood tests and X-rays.
If left untreated, paraphimosis causes suffering in dogs and can have serious consequences.
What Is the Treatment for Paraphimosis in Dogs?
It is recommended not to try to fix your dog’s paraphimosis at home without speaking to your vet. At the clinic, the veterinarian will do the following:
How Do I Care for a Dog With Paraphimosis?
If you are at home and have no way to contact or reach the veterinarian right away, here is what you can do to help your pet:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Paraphimosis Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes. Paraphimosis is usually remedied without surgical intervention if manual reintroduction of the penis into the foreskin is successful. In severe cases where the penis does not remain in the foreskin after reinsertion, a temporary suture can be applied to the foreskin to prevent the penis from sliding out.
Can Dogs Live With Paraphimosis?
Paraphimosis can represent a medical emergency because it can lead to complications like urinary problems and/or necrosis of the penis (which will require amputation). For these reasons, it is recommended to go to the veterinarian if more than 30 minutes have passed since paraphimosis occurred. This medical condition usually does not resolve by itself, requiring the manual reintroduction of the penis into the foreskin.
Conclusion
Paraphimosis is a medical condition that can represent a medical emergency in some cases. In this condition, your dog’s penis can’t return to its original position because the foreskin can’t go back over the penis, which will lead to the prevention of normal blood flow. Consequently, the penis will become inflamed and swollen. If you do not intervene quickly to reinsert the penis back into the foreskin, the tissue may suffer from irreversible damage.
In addition, untreated paraphimosis can lead to urination problems. Clinical signs of this condition in dogs may include externalization of the penis in the absence of erection, licking their private parts, and a red, inflamed, and painful penis. If this is also the case with your dog, contact the doctor immediately. In fact, the vet should be contacted if more than 30 minutes have passed since the penis came out of the foreskin.
The treatment usually includes the manual reintroduction of the penis into the foreskin after it has been lubricated beforehand. In some cases, a temporary suture may be needed on the foreskin to hold the penis inside.
Featured Image Credit: SeventyFour, Shutterstock
