In the ‘Pet Corner’ columns just before Christmas, we concluded our discussions on maladies associated with the female genital tract and reproduction. Let’s look now at the problems associated with infertility in the male dog.
Very often, the inability of dogs to mate and reproduce can be placed squarely on deficiencies of the male genital system. The inflammation of the testicle(s) (orchitis), an infection of the foreskin and the head of the penis (balanoposthitis), the ability of the penis to protrude because of a strictured foreskin (phimosis), or a condition which precludes the penis from returning to the sheath (paraphimosis), undescended testicle(s) are some ailments that spring to mind. One can even include prostate gland problems in this list. And I suppose that if the quality of the sperm is greatly compromised, infertility would be the consequence. So, over the next few weeks, we’ll be looking more closely at these ailments associated with the male dog that will impair reproduction.
Infection of the prepuce and head of the penis (balanoposthitis)
A small amount of white or yellowish discharge from the prepuce (foreskin) is present in nearly all mature males, especially when bitches are in heat nearby. However, an excessive purulent discharge is associated with overt infection.
