by Nancy Houser

Created on: February 20, 2010   Last Updated: February 21, 2010

Balanitis in dogs is a disease of the male dog's genital tract that causes mating problems and infertility issues. Male dogs seem to be susceptible to illnesses or problems which are concentrated around hormonal issues, especially if the dog is not neutered. The disease of balanitis is associated with similar diseases in male dogs: (1) orchitis, (2) phimosis, (3) paraphimosis, (4) undescended testicles, (5) testicular degeneration, (6) testicular tumors, and (7) prostatitis. 

Balanitis in Dogs: Description

In men, balanitis is a common condition in many who have not been circumcised or who could have mellitus. The same applies in dogs, with un-neutered males more apt to develop the disease than neutered male dogs, even though there have been cases of balanitis in neutered male dogs or circumcised human males. Since this is an article about "balanitis in dogs: causes, signs and treatment", we will not be discussing balanitis in male humans.

The best way to describe balanitis in dogs is that it is an inflammation (not necessarily an infection) of the male dog's glans penis.  If the prepuce (the foreskin which folds over the head of the penis) is involved, the disease is called balanoposthitis. Either way, the inflammation is caused by an infection from a bacteria or a fungus, or even because of an irritant. A successful identification of cause is required for a treatment that works.

Balanitis in male dogs consists of a frequent partial erection of the penis with a thick yellow-greenish matter discharge with a foul odor, with discomfort and difficulty in retraction of the foreskin. A certain amount of this discharge is normal but a large amount is a sign of balanitis or balanoposthitis. The dog will lick the area consistently as it is irritating, painful and burning. Dogs with balanitis should not be bred as this is an infection which can be passed onto the female dog in the form of yeast infection.

Balanitis in Dogs: Causes

~ Physical trauma – situations such as premature forcible retraction of the foreskin will tear the synechia, creating a raw surface which can become infected

~ Swimming in heavily chlorinated swimming pools has been known to cause balanitis. This is an irritant which should be avoided, with emollients applied if the activity has occurred.

~ Irritants

~ Infectious organisms (yeast, fungus, bacteria or virus)

~ Leave the prepuce (foreskin) alone when bathing or cleaning the dog, as it protects the

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