Lump near penis.

Dr. Marie replied:

I'm so sorry this answer took a little longer than promised...I have had some problems with my email notification tonight.

It sounds like Peanut is really unwell.

I'm trying to figure out what you are describing with the lump near his penis. It really doesn't sound like the bulbourethral gland. If this was the case, it should only be there for a few minutes and then should go away (i.e. once an erection went down.)

I'm wondering if the lump that you are seeing is some type of a hernia such as an inguinal hernia.

An inguinal hernia doesn't usually cause serious problems, but it is possible that there is important tissue such as intestines or organs stuck in the hernia. This could definitely cause serious problems.

It's hard to say for certain what the next step is, especially without me being able to examine your dog, but I think that the vet's plan for an ultrasound is a good one. An ultrasound should be able to tell us if there is a hernia and if so, if there are intestines or organs trapped in it.

If this is the case, then he may need to have surgery in order to repair the problem.

Another possibility is if this lump is some type of an abscess. If so, antibiotics may not work until the abscess is surgically opened up and drained.

What you have described is definitely unusual. I'm sorry that I don't have an exact answer for you, but it sounds like he needs to have more tests done.

Please let me know if you have more questions. I am online until about 11 p.m. EST tonight. If I miss you, I will check in on your question in the morning.

Dr. Marie.


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Dr. Marie replied:

This is a tough question to answer without knowing exactly what the problem is. The best case scenario is that this is a very ripe abscess or even something called a seroma (which is just a pocket of fluid). If this is the case then it could possibly be lanced and the cost could be under $150.

If it is a hernia and needs abdominal surgery then unfortunately this can be very expensive. Abdominal surgery could cost $1000 to $3000.

Recovery time obviously depends on what the problem is but dogs do tend to heal much faster than people. I would be very surprised if this was something that had a long time for recovery.

I hope everything is ok!