Lump found on 5 year old neutered dog

[AmyG89]

I posted this in the "Ask a Vet" forum as well.

I have a 5 year old Shepard mix. He was neutered when he was about 11 weeks old. Last night, I was rubbing his belly and noticed a hard lump directly below his penis. It was hard to the touch and looked distended. After a few minutes of me examining it, it went softer and it was no longer distended. I could still feel a little "lump" inside if I rub my hand over it and it felt like it would be his testicles if he had them.

I am very concerned and have a 6 p.m. vet appointment.

I am trying to brace myself for the diagnosis and would appreciate any opinions.....

[Holliee]

Wow I didn't know that thanks for the info on that may come in handy in future, Pretty cool,
Also I hope you dog is ok AmyG89 let us know ok???

[ginger899]

I know your dog has been neutered (please don't be disturbed by what I'm going to say as it is a little...er...delicate)....but male dogs CAN still be sexually active even when neutered. (although, obviously, not fertile)
Male dogs have a kind of 'knot' high up on the penis which becomes noticeable when aroused. The purpose of this, I believe, is to ensure that when mating, the penis remains firmly 'locked' inside the female's vagina (that is one of the reasons for the 'tie' made between male and female during mating.)

I am just wondering if it could have been this that you felt?

Anyway, I can't see what you mean by this 'lump', so the best thing is to be on the safe side, and take your dog in to be checked, nevertheless.