An Erection Followed by Trouble Standing in an Older Irish Setter
by A reader
Reader Question
My dog suddenly kept sitting down while out walking. At first I thought he was trying to poop, but then I realized he had trouble standing. He also had an erection. This happened 4 hours ago and he's still limping. He's a 10-year-old unneutered Irish Setter.
Answer from Our Team
Trouble standing and limping in an older dog, together with an erection, can happen with pain or a nerve problem in the back or hind end, such as a disc problem in the spine, which can affect both the legs and the nerves to the penis. Prostate problems, common in older intact males, can also cause pain that makes it hard to walk.
Please have him seen by a vet today. Go right away if he can't stand, drags his legs, can't pee, or cries out in pain.
Keep him calm and restrict his movement until he's seen, and carry or support him if needed.
See dog penis problems.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
