island rehabber
05-28-2011, 03:05 PM
SUCKLED OR SWOLLEN PENIS
WARNING: This is a serious condition that can lead to urinary blockage, infection, and death.
Swelling of the penis can happen when the penis is being self-suckled or by a littermate. This often occurs when babies are hungry, bored, or simply have a greater instinctive need to suckle or gnaw.
Symptoms:
-The first sign is usually wetness around penis/abdomen
-Swollen or red penis
-Open sores
-Scabbing
-Inability to urinate/distended bladder
-Squirming/crying during urination or stimulation (because of pain and burning)
Treatment:
1. If the penis has a scab or sore, apply warm water or soak the baby's lower body in warm water to soften the scab (5-20 minutes, or until the scab is completely softened). Then gently rub the tip with a warm, wet cotton ball to clear any blockage and encourage him to urinate.
2. AFTER the scab has been gently removed apply A&D or polysporin ointment to help with healing. Do not use any ointments that contain zinc. Continue until area is completely healed.
How to Break the Sucking Habit
-Try feeding more frequently...smaller feedings every 2 hours or so.
-Offer healthy snacks such as pieces of rat block or vegetables to gnaw on.
-Take a baby sock and cut holes for legs and tail to cover baby's genitals.
-Apply bad-tasting cream or ointment to the penis, such as THUM, YUK, Bitter Apple, or Bitter Lime. Do not apply these products to open wounds or inflamed tissue. They may cause serious pain and damage raw tissue, making the situation worse. Topical preparations that could cause harm if ingested also should not be used.
-As a last resort, the suckled baby may have to be separated from his siblings.
If the condition persists, contact a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Also, start a thread in the "Emergency (Life Threatening) Help Needed" section of TSB so we can assist you in finding medical help.
More Serious Symptoms:
-Heat or extreme swelling of the penis and surrounding tissues
-Lethargy
-Loss of appetite
-Dark or bloody urine
-Foul smelling urine
-Inability to maintain body temperature
ANTIBIOTICS AND PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS MAY BE REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY
In Memory of Charley
WARNING: This is a serious condition that can lead to urinary blockage, infection, and death.
Swelling of the penis can happen when the penis is being self-suckled or by a littermate. This often occurs when babies are hungry, bored, or simply have a greater instinctive need to suckle or gnaw.
Symptoms:
-The first sign is usually wetness around penis/abdomen
-Swollen or red penis
-Open sores
-Scabbing
-Inability to urinate/distended bladder
-Squirming/crying during urination or stimulation (because of pain and burning)
Treatment:
1. If the penis has a scab or sore, apply warm water or soak the baby's lower body in warm water to soften the scab (5-20 minutes, or until the scab is completely softened). Then gently rub the tip with a warm, wet cotton ball to clear any blockage and encourage him to urinate.
2. AFTER the scab has been gently removed apply A&D or polysporin ointment to help with healing. Do not use any ointments that contain zinc. Continue until area is completely healed.
How to Break the Sucking Habit
-Try feeding more frequently...smaller feedings every 2 hours or so.
-Offer healthy snacks such as pieces of rat block or vegetables to gnaw on.
-Take a baby sock and cut holes for legs and tail to cover baby's genitals.
-Apply bad-tasting cream or ointment to the penis, such as THUM, YUK, Bitter Apple, or Bitter Lime. Do not apply these products to open wounds or inflamed tissue. They may cause serious pain and damage raw tissue, making the situation worse. Topical preparations that could cause harm if ingested also should not be used.
-As a last resort, the suckled baby may have to be separated from his siblings.
If the condition persists, contact a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Also, start a thread in the "Emergency (Life Threatening) Help Needed" section of TSB so we can assist you in finding medical help.
More Serious Symptoms:
-Heat or extreme swelling of the penis and surrounding tissues
-Lethargy
-Loss of appetite
-Dark or bloody urine
-Foul smelling urine
-Inability to maintain body temperature
ANTIBIOTICS AND PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS MAY BE REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY
In Memory of Charley