Hi Elizabeth,

Thanks for your question.

To have a true understanding of what is going on here, I would certainly need to perform a physical exam, but I’ll try to provide some information that helps.

There is a condition known as paraphimosis. It generally occurs in small breed dogs and it is a condition whereby the penis protrudes from the prepuce (or ‘sheath’ of skin that covers it) and it becomes swollen or dry and then has difficulty retracting into the sheath. It is not only painful, but it can become a serious threat if the penis and blood flow out of it is strangulated by the sheath. The tissue can begin to devitalize, or die, and create a serious threat to health. It is rare that it is caused by performing a neuter but it can happen.

I wanted to explain this condition but judging by the information in your question, I don’t believe this is the condition that you are presented with. Paraphimosis can occur in lesser degrees where it is mild and chronic, causing the penis to be exposed on a consistent basis without it becoming a serious condition. So you may be dealing with a very mild case of it, in which case, the treatments may help regardless. I would recommend applying a lubricant to the penis and manually repositioning it within the sheath. If you apply a lubricant daily, it may solve the problem and correct it long-term without having to continue applying the lubricant. For more serious cases where the penis is engorged, you could consider submerging the penis in saltwater and then placing it within the sheath. For more serious and even minor cases I would recommend you speak to your veterinarian.

Another possibility is that when the surgical procedure of neutering was performed, it resulted in excessive scarring which caused the prepuce, or sheath covering the penis, to retract. If this were the case, you could try some of the same treatments I’ve already mentioned. Surgical correction of it could be difficult.

Keep in mind that I have made assumptions here and provided information about conditions that possibly fit the scenario you are inquiring about. I can’t be certain and so I recommend you see your veterinarian for a physical examination and consultation to gain more understanding of the condition.

I hope this helps.

Dr. Clayton Greenway