A Newborn Puppy With an Abnormal Prepuce
by A reader
Reader Question
How rare is a newborn puppy with a detached prepuce? Will it be a problem for him? His mother is a Staffordshire Terrier and his father is a Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix.
Answer from Our Team
A sheath that hasn't formed fully, or that doesn't cover the penis, is uncommon but does happen, usually as a developmental problem. The main risk is the exposed penis drying out or getting injured, which can be painful and lead to infection.
Please have your vet examine him soon. They can tell you whether it is likely to need surgery once he's older and how to protect the penis in the meantime, usually by keeping it moist with a vet-approved lubricant.
Also ask your vet to check his urinary opening, since other development problems in the area can go along with it.
See dog penis problems.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
