You are here:

Ask the Veterinarian/2 Dachshund Questions

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/7/2011


Question
It would appear this isn't your specialty, but I figured I'd ask. I have two dachshunds (One is a standard neutered male about 2 years old, the other a miniature un-neutered male about 1 year old).

The standard male is a little overweight (although he and I are working on losing weight together), and seems to have developed a bulge near his penis. While it doesn't seem normal, it also doesn't seem to be hurting me. Can you give me any insight as to what may be causing this?

The miniature dachshund is un-neutered (although I have an appointment to get that done in a couple of days), and lately has been growling and snapping at the other dachshund. I'm wondering if this could be related to a nearby bitch in heat or if it's another issue I should be concerned about? This has happened within the last two weeks or so.

Answer
The bulge is most likely a fatty pad under the skin. Once he loses weight that should resolve, or it is a hernia or a fatty tumor. You will know once the weight is gone.

The growling and snapping IS because he isn't neutered and the smell of a bitch in heat will certainly cause a lot of stress and aggression.

Even once he is neutered it will take a bit of time for the mental part to subside but the hormone side will be gone in days. The sooner you neuter him the better, so good for you for getting it done.  

Ask the Veterinarian

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.