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Why does my neutered dog have a hard lump on his penis? Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Male | neutered | 9 years and 11 months old

There's a hard ball about the size of a golf ball in the middle of the shaft of his penis. He's fixed so what is it? Is it normal and did I just not notice?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 12th, 2016

Male dogs have a structure called the *bulbus glandis* along the shaft of the penis. The gland swells when they get excited or sometimes when they have to urinate. These glands are responsible for the "tie" that occurs during breeding. Even though your dog is neutered, he can still get erections, so likely something excited him causing the glands to swell. It is a perfectly normal part of his anatomy and no cause for concern.

70Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Amber W
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on August 10th, 2017
I think what you're describing is actually the bulbourethral gland and not the prostate. This is usually located around the base of the penis and is a normal structure. It is normal for the bulbourethral gland to sometimes enlarge and then shrink back down. If Queequeg continues to kick you'll definitely want to use an e-collar for a few more days to prevent infection in the incision. It may not be a bad idea to contact the vet to have the incision checked out to ensure it is not already infected.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on January 17th, 2019
The only things that come to mind are: dogs do have a portion of the penis that can engorge and it will feel and look like two testicles. It is located about mid shaft of the penis. Otherwise the anal glands can sometimes be palpated and they are right under the anus. They do have hip bones and maybe you are feeling those? I recommend to take a photo or take Charming into the vet to get your question answered. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on February 23rd, 2019
Yes, this is a normal structure called the Bulbus Glandis. This portion of the penis becomes enlarged when Matvel gets excited (both sexual and otherwise). This structure becomes more prominent as the puppies get older.
I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
19Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My puppy has a balloon-like bump near his penis. Is it normal?

If what you're seeing looks like a symmetrical swelling near the base of his penis in front of the scrotum, what you see is likely the *bulbus glandis*. This structure is a normal part of the male dog's anatomy. The *bulbus glandis* swells during [mating](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anatomy-and-function-of-the-reproductive-system-in-dogs) which causes the dogs to tie or 'lock' together during the act. It may swell when the dog is excited, even in a neutered dog.

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Is it normal for my dog's penis to have a bump when he's excited?

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