My neutered dog looks like he has testicles again. What is it?

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](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anatomy-and-function-of-the-reproductive-system-in-dogs) and no cause for concern.

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.

If his sac looks like it has testicles in it, this is most likely due to swelling from the surgery. This is called a scrotal hematoma, and is fairly common after a [neuter surgery](https://www.petcoach.co/article/benefits-of-neutering-castrating-male-dogs-puppies). The swelling can definitely look like testicles, but it's just fluid and blood clots from the procedure. It should resolve on its own within the next 7-10 days as long as you [keep him calm and quiet](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-ways-to-rest-your-pet-after-surgery-or-injury) and prevent him from licking at the surgical site by using an [Elizabethan collar (e-collar)](https://www.petcoach.co/article/e-collars-for-cats-dogs-types-of-collars-and-diy-options/). The testicles themselves are removed during the neuter, so they're definitely not still there. If you have any concerns about how it looks, you can always have him rechecked next week with the vet who did his surgery to make sure everything is healing as expected.

That gland is a normal occurrence when they get excited. When they calm down they go away and don’t swell. It is not painful for this process and they are firm to the touch. Getting him neutered will prevent this from happening in the future

I'm wondering if what you are describing are your dog's bulbourethral glands. These are glands on either side of the penis that can swell, and in a dog the size of Ollie they would appear about walnut-sized. This can happen even if a dog is neutered. If this is what you're seeing, the enlargement will fluctuate in size and at times will nearly disappear. If what you're seeing is more growth-like (and particularly if it's asymmetrical, rapidly growing, etc) then I would be more concerned about it being a possible mass, and would advise having it looked at by a vet. Hope that helps!

I'm wondering if your dog was neutered recently - it almost looks like there could be a scrotal incision and discharge in the center of the photo. Either way, the raised area looks like it could be a growth, tumor or abscess/infection and if he was not neutered recently the discharge is concerning. I would definitely recommend having your vet take a look.

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Cypress. I'm wondering if this bulge was toward the back of his penile shaft. If it was, then what you likely saw was his bulbourethral glands. These are normal structures of the penis, and they become enlarged when the dog is aroused. Even neutered dogs can become aroused. Given that this bulge is now gone and he's totally normal, that would be my suspicion. There's nothing to worry about here! I hope this helps!