Priapism is a constant state of erection unrelated to sexual desire. Causes include spinal cord lesions, genitourinary infection, or constipation. Treatment is for the underlying cause. Bland ointments should be applied to prevent drying of penile tissues. Anorchidism is a congenital defect of retention of the testes at some point in the course of normal descent.
Anorchidism can be unilateral or bilateral and is commonly observed.
Testicles normally descend at birth and are usually palpable at 2-3 months of age. If testicles are not in the scrotum, palpate the inguinal areas. There are no behavioral changes associated with anorchidism in dogs. Surgical correction is considered unethical due to the potential of passing on this trait to offspring. There is a high incidence of neoplasia in retained testicles.