HELP QUICK! Penis is discolored, purple/black!

[violet976]

Many of you know that Verdell has just put on lasix, pred & zithro for heart/lung issues last night. Today I went to check him for penis plugs & his penis is literally purple/black. When I first flipped him, I just saw a small black mark there, but when I pushed his penis out it looks as if the whole thing is discolored (infected?). Please, advice quick, this is not something I am familiar with!!!

 

[jorats]

I've had a few rats with a dark penis. Are you sure it used to be a light pink before? Does it seem dry? I'd put vaseline on it. Is it retracting properly?
I wonder if the lasix could be drying it out?
And... if it continues, can you call the vet and ask if that's a big concern.

 

[violet976]

I've never retracted his before, but I've never seen the dark spot there when simply flipping him over before. & quite honestly, it doesn't just look darker, it looks like an infected purple, if that makes any sense. I'm afraid that maybe its a backed up plug, but I'm also afraid to try & pop anything out since I don't even know what I'm dealing with here. Honestly though, it doesn't look normal. I was pretty sure he peed yesterday. But overall, he's on his second dose of pred, zithro & lasix & still not looking any better. He did get some water down & mushed up lab blocks, but nothing more hopeful than that. I can try to take a pic, but my camera isn't all that great...

 

[jorats]

Retract his penis all the way and pull out any plug. Then clean it well and add vasoline to it if it looks dry or if he can't retract it himself. He's already on meds if it's an infection of the bladder or urethra.
I've seen the dark purple. I've never attributed to anything, I've always thought it was part of their pigment. But you never know. If you are very worried, call the vet.

 

[violet976]

Ok, I managed to get help holding him so I could really take a good look. It looks like there is not plug, but the sheath around the penis is colored black (could that possibly just be his normal sheath coloring?) Sorry for the poor input, but it never occurred to me that it might be any color other than pink, & I've never actually popped him out before to have a reference. the penis itself is a normal pink, so I think I might have been seeing a bit of the sheath the first time I flipped him over today & mistook that for purple in his opening. Are there rats with black sheaths around their penis?

Sorry, I know I must sound like a panicky mess, I'm just so afraid I'm going to overlook something here. I didn't see any plug to pop out, & the penis itself looked normal, just the sheath was colored dark gray. Also, he is retracting it perfectly fine, so perhaps he just has a different colored sheath?

Goodness, even when I think I have these animals down on such an intimate level, I find out there's still more I should be aware of. Seriously, I would feel so relieved if he just head a dark colored sheath right now, but boy am I going to feel dumb when the vet calls me back... :emb:

 

[jorats]

lol...that's ok. yes, some of mine have a dark colored sheath.

 

[violet976]

Jorats: Thanks so much for helping to ease my mind. That means I put poor Verdell through that for nothing, & with his respiratory problems being so bad right now too. :emb: But you've set my mind at ease & at least I know he can pee even though he can't clean himself well (I'll still be checking him daily for plugs). Vet called & confirmed the same.

Ever had one of those days when you feel like you've lost your mind... :roll:

Thanks again though for the quick response & advice. I can't express how much these communities mean to me. :heart:

 

[jorats]

You're so welcome, we've all been there.

 

[SQ]

Glad the problem is resolved.

You mentioned he is on meds for his heart?
Lasix is good as it helps with fluid build up but if he has a heart problem there are heart meds he would need to be on.

 

[violet976]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. From the xrays, we know we are dealing with lung issues, and there is a spot near the heart that he is undecided on (he's not sure if its the lung or the heart). I believe he's hoping to see what happens with just the lasix first & getting rid of the fluid, but was very reassuring that if not enough improvement is seen we can try my desired route with the meds.

SQ: I responded to your PM. I would most definitely appreciate any info or experience you have with heart issues, as I've only dealt with them once & poor Jasper didn't make it long enough to really get a grip on treatment. :heart: thanks so much!