BALANOPOSTHITIS (PREPUTIAL INFLAMMATION)
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Balanoposthitis causes discharge, licking, redness, and swelling inside the prepuce.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Mild irritation
• Excess smegma production
MEDICAL
• Bacterial infection
• Yeast overgrowth
• Trauma
• Prostate disease
• Urethral infection
EMERGENCY
• Severe swelling
• Obstruction
• Darkened tissue
RED FLAGS
• Thick pus-like discharge
• Pain
• Blood
• Frequent licking
• If unsure, treat as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE
• Warm saline rinses
• Prevent licking
These do not replace veterinary care.
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Cytology
• Culture
• Prostate exam
• Urinalysis
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Infection
• Yeast
• Prostatic inflammation
WHEN TO SCHEDULE A VISIT
48 hrs: mild increase in discharge
Today: blood or pain
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Chronic genital inflammation increases infection risk.
LONGEVITY CONSULT
Helpful for recurrent balanoposthitis.