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My male dog has a painful lump near his penis sheath. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 35 lbs

My 6 yr old basset/weenie dog mix is swollen & painful on his left side at the base of his penis sheath. His appetite and urinating are normal. Any ideas what could be going on?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 18th, 2018

This could be anything from a benign fatty tumor, to an enlarged lymph node, to a hernia, to a mass or other. While it’s unlikely an emergency, I would schedule an appointment with your vet at the earliest convenient appointment. He or she may recommend a cytology (poking the lump with a thin needle and looking at the cells under the microscope). Best of luck to you and Jack!

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 9th, 2019
This could be a lipoma or fatty tumor, or potentially something like a hernia. I would recommend having your vet examine Romeo in person - they can likely determine whether or not a hernia is a concern by feeling the area. If they are concerned about a lipoma they might recommend taking a needle aspirate sample.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on March 10th, 2019
Without an exam or diagnostics, it is almost impossible to determine if this is a malignancy or a benign condition.
You can monitor it at home for now IF it isn't causing discomfort or interfering with movement or urination. Things to watch for are rapid change or growth, pain, bruising or discharge.
These are all symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. This could lead to a diagnosis. You can then discuss treatment options with your veterinarian.
If necessary, discuss payment plans or alternative financing options, such as CareCredit ( www.carecredit.com ), with your veterinarian.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 29th, 2020
Hello,
I am very sorry to hear this about Beau. Given that he has had so many good diagnostic tests performed and there is no clear answer, I would be suspicious of something like a small tumor that is too small to become visible on standard imaging. Sometimes, foreign objects such as grass seeds can become lodged in the sheath of the penis and evade standard imaging as well. I would recommend pursuing an internal medicine specialist consult with 3D imaging, such as CT or MRI, for the quickest route to diagnosis. They may also recommend endoscopic viewing of the penis and sheath as well.
I'm so sorry you're going through a frustrating medical scenario.
I hope this is helpful. Best of luck to you and Beau. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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