The phone call started in an ordinary way, “Dr. Randolph, I need to make an appointment for Gus.”
A quick glance at Gus’ file in our computer system showed he wasn’t due for a routine visit, so I inquired of his owner about possible problems as a reason for the visit.
“He has a yellow-green discharge from his penis.”
I closed the appointment book, and pressed F1 on the keyboard, sending the computer software back to the Main Menu.
“No appointment needed,” I explained to Gus’ master. All male dogs have a yellow-green discharge. It’s actually coming from the sheath, not the penis. Quantity can vary from undetectable to a drop, but it’s all normal.”
The material, which looks much like pus to the naked eye, is actually made of cells and lubricant fluid in the prepuce that surrounds the penis inside its protective sheath. It has a pungent, acrid smell and will sometimes be noticed where a male dog has lain.
Discharges from the sheath with other characteristics, such as blood, or a large volume of material that resembles pus, would be a cause for concern.
As for me, I’ll just have to wait for a big, sloppy Gus-kiss until another day.
See you tomorrow, Dr. Randolph.
Hey Dr Randolph, my 5 year old neutered Keeshond has been having pinkish discharge from his penis, very pungent odor, urine was tested already and no uti or anything out of the ordinary was found. Already went through a course of antibiotics and it’s still there. Sometimes it drips, but if I smell it before I see it and gently press a tissue against his penis, I’ll see the pink discharge on the tissue.
Was the discharge cultured? Your dog may be one of those whose normal penile discharge is just VERY objectionable. Some have an acrid smell that one can hardly wash off. Get that culture, if it’s negative, you probably have to learn to live with a little odor. Thanks for reading, Dr. Randolph.
So glad I found this article. I saw what is described above on my pup this morning In the car. After reading I went to take a look one more time and it was gone! Phew.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.