A Severely Swollen, White Penis on an Older Mastiff
by A reader
Reader Question
My 8-year-old English Mastiff's penis was out of the sheath today and severely swollen to about twice its normal width, whitish all the way from the base to about an inch from the tip. The tip was red and irritated. He hasn't been licking it until today. He seems to urinate normally, though he holds it longer overnight. He was healthy at a recent checkup, with expected arthritis. Since March he's had a growing, hairless mass on his forearm, now about the size of a cherry tomato, which the vet wasn't concerned about. Because of his age, size and history of seizures, I decided not to have it removed. What could the swelling be?
Answer from Our Team
A penis that stays out of the sheath and swells is called paraphimosis, and it is an emergency. When the penis can't go back in, it swells more, the surface dries out and turns pale, and blood flow can be damaged. Please call your vet or an emergency vet now, rather than waiting for an appointment.
While you arrange to be seen, keep the penis moist with a water-based lubricant or cool water, and gently apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Don't force it back in.
Once it's settled, ask your vet to recheck the forearm mass. A needle sample can be done without anesthesia, and knowing what it is can help with decisions.
See dog penis problems.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
