Your dog’s bulbus won’t go down? Has it been swollen for some time and you are worried that your dog might get an infection? Is he sick? Are they tumors?
Bulbus glandis swelling is common, especially after mating, and disappears as your dog’s arousal decreases. What happens if the swelling lasts longer than it should?
In this article, you’ll find out:
- 6 Reasons why bulbus glandis won’t go down
- What is paraphimosis?
- Home treatment of paraphimosis
- And more…
Why My Dog’s Bulbus Glandis Won’t Go Down?
Male dogs’ reproductive anatomy is different in various ways, including the existence of the bulbus glandis near the base of the penis. These bulbus glandis won’t go down as long as the dog is aroused or excited. This swelling is quite natural and will go away when the dog’s excitement level decreases.
The “bulbus glandis” are two glands located on either side of the base of the dog’s penis. They are generally unnoticeable most of the time; and will swell when your dog is aroused.
During mating, when your dog’s penis is inside the vagina, the bulbus glandis expands, forming a locking mechanism that allows for extended contact during and after ejaculation. This improves the chances of successful mating.
Swelling of the bulbus glandis can happen to both neutered and intact male dogs as these glands are not affected during the neutering procedures.
Usually, the bulbus glandis will relax and return back to its normal size after 15 minutes or so. However, there are occasions where the bulbus glandis won’t go down for an extended period of time and in some cases, stay swollen for days.
When should you seek veterinary help?
If your dog’s bulbus glandis returns back to its usual size within an hour and your dog behaves normally, there is no need to seek further veterinary help.
If the bulbus glandis stays enlarged after an hour or if your dog exhibits some signs of lethargy, discomfort or abnormal discharge from the penis, your dog may suffer from a condition called paraphimosis and you should seek help immediately.
6 reasons why the bulbus glandis is swollen for prolonged period of time are:
- Infections
- End of penis sheath being too hairy causing dryness
- Prostate disease
- Tumor
- Injuries or trauma
- Neurologic problems
What Is Paraphimosis?
Paraphimosis is a painful condition in dogs that can develop significant problems.
Paraphimosis is defined as a dog’s inability to retract an erect penis back into the preputial sheath, which is the skin that covers the dog’s penis. Any male dog, neutered or not, regardless of age, can have this condition.
When a dog’s penis doesn’t go back in, it can soon become an emergency condition, as reduced blood flow leads to increased engorgement, necrosis (tissue death), and serious urethral injury.
If the penis is extruded for an unusually long period of time, the surface may become inflamed and dry, resulting in edema, infection, and even necrosis.
Paraphimosis in dogs can have a variety of reasons, but it is usually unpleasant and can lead to significant problems if left untreated. Regardless of the underlying cause, putting the glans penis back into the sheath is necessary.
Also Read: What To Expect From Your Female Dog After Mating?
Symptoms Of Paraphimosis In Dogs
The following mentioned might be the symptoms of paraphimosis in dogs:
- The penis appears to be swollen and red
- The appearance of the dog’s penis is the most visible evidence of paraphimosis
- Unpleasant discharge
- Trouble passing urine or other urinating problems
- Excessive licking of the affected area
- Difficulty when attempting to copulation
Causes Of Paraphimosis In Dogs
Several causes, both genetic and environmental, can contribute to paraphimosis. Some causes of it are listed below:
- Preputial orifice with inverted skin
- A fracture or injury to the organ
- A small preputial opening which might be a birth defect
- Priapism (in which there is persistent erection which is typically painful)
- Tumors; often cancer of the penis
- Objects in the vicinity of the penis
- Hairband that constricts the penis at the preputial orifice
- Trauma
How To Avoid Paraphimosis / Preventing Paraphimosis
To avoid having paraphimosis, there are a few things you may do. Treatment is mostly determined by the cause of paraphimosis. Treatment options include:
1. Cleaning Of The Area
During the mating phase, try to keep the dog’s penis clean. Cleaning with water should be sufficient, and cleaning should be done after each mating attempt.
2. Cutting Of Constricting Hair
Clipping the hair at the base of the penis of long-haired or curly-haired dogs can prevent matting or knots from obstructing proper movement.
3. Inspecting The Area Regularly
Always inspect the area for any concerns on a regular basis. Keep an eye on the area after a male dog has mated until the penis completely retracts into the prepuce.
Home Treatment Of Paraphimosis
Paraphimosis treatment is often conservative, and many of the measures can be done at home. Here are some options for you to consider.
1. Apply A Sugar Paste On The Affected Area
Make a “sugar paste” with regular white sugar and just enough water to make a thick slurry. This combination should be applied liberally to the erect dog penis. By drawing out fluid from the tissues, the sugar serves as a hyperosmotic agent, reducing swelling and shrinking the penis.
2. Use A Frozen Veggies Bag
Wrap a bag of frozen veggies in a light cloth or towel and place it over the affected area for 5 minutes at a time to assist in minimizing tissue swelling. Packaged peas are ideal since they can be easily molded to fit the dog’s anatomy.
3. Use Cold Water
Putting the penis in a cup of cool water may also be beneficial.
4. Apply Lubricants
Applying lubricants to the area can help the penis return back into the sheath. Gently push the penis back inside the sheath or pull the sheath back over the penis. If your dog is scared or prone to snapping, this is not a good idea. It could be a two-person task or a vet.
If this does not work, or if your dog’s penis has been outside the sheath for more than an hour, you must consult the veterinarian.
In some cases, surgery might help to expand the opening of the sheath (orifice), allowing the penis to protrude. Veterinary surgeons can also remove tissue from around the penile area to allow for a regular, functioning penis.
Bulbus Glandis Swollen For Days – What To Do?
The expansion of the bulbus glandis is noticeable because it causes huge lumps to form on both sides of the base of the penis.
When the bulbus glandis swollen, it causes no discomfort to your dog and requires no medical attention as long as it recovers to its normal size after an hour or so.
However, the bulbus glandis should not be swollen at all times; it should grow and then retract. It’s not normal if it stays red and swollen.
Hence, if your dog’s bulbus glandis remains swollen for days, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian. If left untreated, paraphimosis can lead to infection and can create urinary problems.
Bulbus Glandis Swollen On One Side – What To Do?
During an erection, lumps called bulbus glandis are commonly swollen on either side of the base of a dog’s penis. When the erection is over, these should go down.
They are not normal if they occur on or around a dog’s penis for a longer period as there might be an injury, infection, foreign material in the prepuce (such as fur), inflammation, cysts, or tumors.
We strongly advise you to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Should A Dog’s Bulbus Glandis Be Hard?
The existence of a bone known as the “os penis” causes the canine penis to be hard even when not erect. The hard appearance of the dog’s bulbus glandis is typical, temporary, and poses no worry.
When a male dog has an erection, you notice a pair of hard, egg-shaped bumps under the skin near the base of his penis (neutered or not). This is the “bulbus glandis,” which is a part of his penis anatomy.
The bulbus glandis swells and hardens as the penis gets engorged during arousals, such as sexual or physiological stimulation, including play and tension, giving the impression that the dog has regenerated some exceptionally firm testicles.
Hence, there’s nothing to worry about if a dog’s penis is hard for a shorter period.
