Between Visiting the Groomer#3

Clean It Up!

       The last area of concern in our ‘Between Groomer Visits’ is about the santi-area.  There really isn’t a lot to explain about this one.  We can visit the ‘ Why’ a little more but first we can be clear about what this area ‘n-tails (lol!).  The santi-area includes the area directly beneath the tail surrounding the anus and with girls, the vulva, too.  On a boy’s tummy it is the prepuce (foreskin) that covers the head of the penis or gland penis  and the penis itself.  Clarity (naming names) is important so you can understand that of which we speak.  It can be important if there is a problem.

        The major reason to clean the santi-area clean is odor and infection.  Bacteria can be trapped in long hair and increase.  A UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) happens when bacteria enters the urethra (the tube that takes urine from the bladder to the body’s exit point).  “The urinary tract is the body’s drainage system for removing wastes and extra water. The urinary tract includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra”(1). Having an infection of any sort enter the body through the urethra is like offering a gateway to the rest of the body’s major systems.  Not good.

        Another major reason to keep the area of the penis clean is a common but embarrassing occurrence with the boys called Paraphimosis (2) which means potentially bad news or ‘para’ meaning abnormal attachment and ‘phimosis’ meaning  a tightening of the foreskin/preputial opening(3) that is different than having a non-retractable foreskin, which is normal in many boys [versus adult males-lcr].” Phimosis can also be related to persistent issues urinating but the common problem, paraphimosis, is when the penis (glans penis) is trapped outside the sheath or stuck because the long hairs are literally ‘glued’ to it and cannot retract resulting in the drying of tissues, pain and possible swelling and trauma.  The glans penis is unable to retract (4) for one or more reasons and the owner should take a look to determine whether a trip to the vet is necessary. The glans is a vascular structure located at the tip of the penis in male mammals (5).   If no bulb or swelling is involved, use K-Y or some petroleum jelly like Vaseline to lubricate in aiding the situation.  Read the article credited below for help and how-to details. J  If there is swelling (engorgement, when the sheath has constricted as a tightened ring) go to the vet.  The other issue is if there is any damage done. The danger here is with permanent damage, impaired blood circulation, pain and other trauma and is a medical emergency. Phimosis can result in chronic inflammation/infections and cancer.

        Keep all hair close or very short for the santi-areas.  Be extremely careful not to knick.  Even blunt tip scissors can pinch or even cut if you misjudge.  Take a breath and just be careful. A groomer at a reputable/national chain (I will never go back to) knicked one of our boys so bad he needed 3 stitches! and was half done!!!  I have never done that kind of damage or come close.  Robert at The Dog House (972-675-9769/Garland,TX) finished this grooming fiasco and helped the dog recover from the trauma with quiet, calm care. Robert came veterinarian recommended and this was our introduction to The Dog House. Use scissors and go easy.  If you do knick - apologies, hugs and kisses help and finish the job.  Big treat afterward for them.  Deep breaths for you.  If you’re unsure, look at videos how-to on U-tube.

1. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases

/pubs/imagingut/

2. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/phimosis

3.http://www.merckmanuals.com/

pethealth/dog_disorders_and_diseases/

reproductive_disorders_of_dogs/

reproductive_disorders_of_male_dogs.html

4. http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/

mahaney/2013/june/paraphimosis-pet-emergency-or-owner-embrassment-30463

5. The glans is a vascular structure located at the tip of the penis in male mammals http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glans