Many dog owners will be familiar with this condition, which is colloquially referred to as foreskin inflammation. Recurring, yellowish-green, dripping discharge is very common, especially in young, unneutered male dogs.
Strictly speaking, a medical distinction must be made between non-inflammatory preputial catarrh (= foreskin discharge) and true balanoposthitis (= inflammation of the foreskin and glans). Preputial catarrh is caused by a non-inflammatory overreaction of the glands at the base of the penis, which causes smegma to accumulate in the foreskin and drip out as a yellowish-white discharge from the male dog's foreskin.
With the onset of sexual maturity (at six to twelve months of age), male dogs begin to regularly clean their penis. This allows dirt and bacteria from the environment to enter the space between the penis and the foreskin. Thanks to the warm, moist, oxygen-poor environment, the bacteria can multiply explosively here. Minor injuries, foreign bodies, or constant licking can promote the development of inflammation of the foreskin and glans, known as balanoposthitis. Phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin) can also lead to inflammatory changes.
Both balanoposthitis and preputial catarrh are characterized by a yellowish-green, dripping discharge from the penis, which occurs independently of urination. The hair around the penis is often stuck together by the discharge.
If it is only preputial catarrh, the dog's general well-being is usually not affected. The hygienic problem is often much more disturbing for the owners, as the sticky drops spread throughout the house.
Balanoposthitis is accompanied by clear symptoms of inflammation. The foreskin is usually severely swollen, reddened, and painful. The discharge dripping from the foreskin may be yellowish-greenish, purulent to bloody, and foul-smelling. Complications can arise from constant licking, as this can cause the inflammation to worsen and even lead to necrosis (tissue death). The aforementioned phimosis (foreskin tightening) can be both a cause and a consequence of foreskin inflammation.
Your veterinarian will usually be able to make a clear diagnosis based on the clinical picture and your pet's medical history. If the foreskin is severely swollen, it may not be possible to pull the penis forward. In such cases, the veterinarian can examine the areas that are not visible using an endoscope. In cases of balanoposthitis, a bacteriological examination is always advisable in order to obtain precise information about the type of pathogen.
In cases of preputial catarrh, repeated disinfectant rinsing of the foreskin is usually sufficient; antibiotic treatment is not necessary.
Balanoposthitis must be treated according to its cause. If foreign bodies, stones, or urinary gravel are present, these must be removed first. After a bacteriological examination and antibiogram (a laboratory test to determine the sensitivity of the bacteria to antibiotics), the area is treated locally with special disinfectant rinses and antibiotic ointments. It is also important to prevent the dog from continuing to lick the area, as this will prevent the inflammation from healing.
In severe cases, antibiotics must also be administered. If necrotic changes have already occurred on the penis, only surgical treatment with amputation of the penis is promising and life-saving.
The chances of a full recovery are good for simple preputial catarrh, even though it often comes back. For balanoposthitis, the outlook is also good as long as there are no complications.
The only effective prevention is surgical or chemical (insertion of a hormone chip) castration of the male dog. Preputial catarrh that is already present will disappear within two weeks after castration, but is not considered a medical indication for castration of an otherwise healthy male dog. Your veterinarian will be happy to advise you on this decision. You can make an appointment directly via petsXL.
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