Preputial foreign body in a bull

A preputial foreign body caused severe preputial swelling and depression in a 4-year-old Shorthorn bull. Disruption of the preputial epithelium by the foreign body resulted in abscess formation lateral to the prepuce. A patent urethral fistula, probably a complication of prior fibropapilloma excisional surgery, was also detected on the distal portion of the glans penis. Foreign body removal, antimicrobial administration, and warm hydrotherapy resolved the swelling and abscess. Electroejaculation was used to extend the penis and to minimize preputial adhesions. Breeding soundness examinations were used to evaluate breeding potential.     

Surgical treatment of 45 horses affected by squamous cell carcinoma of the penis and prepuce

The medical records of 45 horses treated for suspected squamous cell carcinoma of the penis and/or prepuce were reviewed. The age of 40 horses was known, and these had a mean age of 17.4 years. The duration of neoplasia was known for only 3 of the 45 horses. The results of histological evaluation of lesions, available for 35 horses, confirmed that the diseased tissue was squamous cell carcinoma. The location of gross neoplastic lesions was recorded for 43 horses; the glans penis was involved in 24 horses, the body of the penis or the inner lamina of the preputial fold in 27 horses, and the external fold of the prepuce in 10 horses. Surgical treatments of these horses included phallectomy (penile amputation) in 35 horses, segmental posthectomy in 4 horses, phallectomy plus segmental posthectomy in 2 horses, and en bloc resection of the penis, prepuce and superficial inguinal lymph nodes with penile retroversion in 4 cases. Short-term complications in the immediate postoperative period included preputial oedema and haemorrhage at the end of urination. One horse developed acute urinary retention because of severe urethral oedema. Long-term (>1 year) follow-up information was obtained for 31 horses. Neoplasia of the penis and/or prepuce recurred in 6 of these 31 horses (19%), and in 5 of these the recurrence necessitated euthanasia of the horse.     

Preputial damage and lateral penile displacement during castration in a degu

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2-month-old male degu was treated for preputial damage and lateral penile displacement that occurred during attempted castration. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Bruising and swelling of the prepuce and severe edema to the left of the prepuce were evident. The penis could not be extruded from the prepuce. Radiography revealed a large bladder. Contrast medium injected into the prepuce filled the peripreputial subcutaneous tissues. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: During surgical exploration through a peripreputial approach, the penis was found to be completely separated from the prepuce and located in the adjacent subcutaneous tissue. The penis was repositioned in the prepuce and anchored with a suture at its base. The following day, the preputial orifice was crusted over, urine was leaking from the incision, and the penis could not be extruded from the prepuce. The anchoring suture was removed, and the tip of the penis was sutured to the preputial orifice so that the penis protruded slightly from the prepuce. Urination was normal after the second surgery. Two years later, the preputial orifice remained adhered to the distal portion of the penis and the exposed penile tissue was healthy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Penile displacement from the prepuce is an unusual complication of castration in degus. The surgical technique used in this animal may be an effective means of repair. Permanent exposure of the tip of the penis may be well-tolerated in degus.     

Genital lesions associated with visceral leishmaniasis and shedding of Leishmania sp. in the semen of naturally infected dogs

Although visceral leishmaniasis is primarily transmitted by a biological invertebrate vector, transmission in the absence of the vector has been reported, including venereal transmission in humans. Considering the possibility of venereal transmission, we studied genital lesions in dogs naturally infected with visceral leishmaniasis and shedding of Leishmania sp. in the semen. Approximately 200 dogs were serologically tested for anti-Leishmania antibodies and divided into three groups: 1) serologically negative dogs (n = 20), 2) asymptomatic serologically positive dogs (n = 20), and 3) symptomatic serologically positive dogs (n = 20). Samples from both testes, all segments of both epididymes, prostate gland, glans penis, and prepuce were histologically evaluated and processed for immunodetection of Leishmania sp. Semen samples were obtained from 22 symptomatic serologically positive dogs and processed for detecting Leishmania DNA by polymerase chain reaction. A significantly higher frequency of inflammation was observed in the epididymes, glans penis, and prepuce of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis, which was associated with a high frequency of immunohistochemically positive tissues (up to 95% of tissues from symptomatic dogs were positive by immunohistochemistry). Leishmania DNA was detected in eight of 22 semen samples from symptomatic dogs. Together these findings indicate that genital lesions and shedding of Leishmania sp. (donovani complex) in the semen are associated with visceral leishmaniasis. Additional studies should address the possibility of venereal transmission of the disease in the dog.     

Surgical treatment of paraphimosis in a pony

Circumcision (or reefing operation) was performed on an aged pony stallion to remove excessive granulation tissue involving the preputial integument following an injury and subsequent paraphimosis. Postoperative swelling of the penis and prepuce was reduced daily with gentle massage. Initially, an improvised suspensory was used to support the penis postoperatively. The pony was able to voluntarily retract its penis six months following surgery.     

Combined preputial advancement and phallopexy as a revision technique for treating paraphimosis in a dog

A 7‐year‐old neutered male Jack Russell terrier‐cross was presented for signs of recurrent paraphimosis, despite previous surgical enlargement of the preputial ostium. Revision surgery was performed using a combination of preputial advancement and phallopexy, which resulted in complete and permanent coverage of the glans penis by the prepuce, and at 1 year postoperatively, no recurrence of paraphimosis had been observed. The combined techniques allow preservation of the normal penile anatomy, are relatively simple to perform and provide a cosmetic result. We recommend this combination for the treatment of paraphimosis in the dog, particularly when other techniques have failed.     

Genital neoplasms treated by en bloc resection and penile retroversion in horses: 10 cases (1977-1986)

The medical records of 10 horses with invasive neoplasms of the penis, prepuce, and/or superficial inguinal lymph nodes in which treatment involved en bloc resection and penile retroversion were reviewed. All were geldings and ranged in age from 12 to 25 years (mean, 19 years). Evaluation of biopsy specimens obtained before surgery confirmed lymphosarcoma in 1 horse and squamous cell carcinoma in 9 horses. Typical history included swelling, ulceration, and abscessation of the penis and prepuce and large superficial inguinal lymph nodes. Complications after surgery included dehiscence of the urethrostomy site (4 horses), dehiscence of the ventral skin incision (1 horse), urine scalding of 1 hind limb (1 horse), cystitis (1 horse), severe hemorrhage (1 horse), and diarrhea (1 horse). One horse was euthanatized during hospitalization, because of severe dehydration secondary to diarrhea. At necropsy, firm nodules were scattered in the pulmonary parenchyma, myocardium, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, cranial mediastinum, kidneys, and hilar lymph nodes. Microscopic examination of the nodules revealed undifferentiated carcinoma. Nine horses were discharged from the hospital between 1 and 5 weeks after surgery. The mean follow-up interval was 27 months (range, 6 to 96 months). Eight horses had no evidence of recurrence. One horse had recurrence of neoplasm at 6 months and was euthanatized 12 months later.     

Catheter-induced urethral trauma in cats with urethral obstruction

Fifteen cats were evaluated with urethral obstruction. Penile trauma by catheterization was the major indication for perineal urethrostomy. Ten cats had developed a urethral stricture and five had rupture of the urethra following medical management. All cats had abnormalities in penis and/or prepuce and/or scrotal sacs including hyperemia or swelling. Perineal urethrostomy was performed in all cases and they were evaluated for 6 months after surgery. Few complications were noted. Urinary tract infection was the most frequent complication observed. The clients considered their cats to have a good quality of life following surgery.     

Phimosis and paraphimosis in two ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

Cases of paraphimosis are rarely described in ferrets. Phimosis has not been reported in the ferret. Two castrated ferrets with abnormalities of the prepuce were presented separately. Case 1 had a 4-month duration of a non-reducible paraphimosis. A shortening of the sheath prevented complete covering of the penis. Case 2 had dermatitis around the prepuce of a month's duration. The foreskin was distended by urine which could be eliminated through a barely visible opening by the application of manual pressure. The penis could not be extruded under general anesthesia. Surgery was performed in both cases. In case 1, parts of the skin of the prepuce, and mucosa of the sheath were resected to create an enlarged opening correcting the constriction of the penis. In case 2, a circular incision was made along the periphery of the skin with dermatitis, and the skin of the prepuce. The skin was resected to enlarge the preputial orifice. Surgical treatment was successful in both cases, did not present any technical difficulties, and was of a short duration. Surgical treatment of paraphimosis and phimosis have not been reported in ferrets and should be considered in cases of scalding of the prepuce not responding to medical treatments.     

Single stage urethroplasty for perineal hypospadias in a foal

The incidence of hypospadias is increasing in man, but the condition is rarely reported in horses. There are few available data regarding the surgical management of this disorder in horses, with no previous published report of urethral reconstructive surgery and only two reports documenting phallectomy procedures. This case report documents hypospadias repair, not previously reported in the horse, in a Thoroughbred foal with proximal hypospadias. The indication for surgery was contact dermatitis of the hind leg, which was impairing the foal's ambulation and had the potential to impair the foal's racing ability. Preoperative examination revealed a proximal hypospadias with a wide urethral plate. The anus was normal. The foal was otherwise thriving. A single stage urethroplasty was performed, during which the urethral plate was tubularised in two layers and the urethral meatus was successfully relocated distally to open upon the glans. The urethroplasty was covered with dartos fascia and the penile shaft skin and prepuce were reconstructed. Minor superficial dehiscence of the wound was successfully managed conservatively. Post‐operatively, urine was voided through the opening created on the glans penis, resolving the contact dermatitis. Follow‐up after 3 years confirmed that the horse continues to void through the re‐sited meatus without complication and had gone on to race successfully. In conclusion, we present the first report of reconstructive urethroplasty for the treatment of a horse for proximal hypospadias with good functionality and long‐term outcome.     

Successful Treatment of Penile Hematoma in a Colt

Traumatic injuries of the penis result from kick-related injuries, and injuries during coitus or masturbation are reported as common causes of penile hematoma in horses. In the present report, mating for the first time in a 2-year-old colt resulted in penile hematoma. The animal had difficulty in passing urine and had paraphimosis. Under general anesthesia a stab was given to drain the hematoma, and hydrotherapy with cold water along with antibiotics and analgesics was advised. Early surgical intervention and drainage of the hematoma helped in resolving the condition and resulted in normal functioning of the penis.     

Alternative method to facilitate resolution of paraphimosis after penile trauma in the horse

Inflammation associated with traumatic injury to the penis is characterised by pain, heat and oedema. Ensuing penile swelling interferes with retraction of the penis into the prepuce, resulting in paraphimosis. This report describes the use of a 5 l capacity pressure infusion bag to reduce penile oedema in three horses. This technique provided complete resolution of oedema and associated paraphimosis in approximately 1 h. The use of the bag, along with an abdominoinguinal bandage, a plastic funnel suspensory device, or a penile repulsion device (Probang) to avoid recurrence, offers a novel treatment that may be performed with the horse sedated.     

Surgical correction of a congenital preputial and penile deformity in a dog

An 11-month-old, intact male Great Pyrenees was presented for recurrent, nonpainful accumulation of suppurative fluid within the prepuce. Surgical exploration revealed a continuation of the urethral mucosa with the cutaneous epidermis of the prepuce, thus creating a closed preputial cavity surrounding the penis where fluid could accumulate. A persistent frenulum and a previously undescribed tissue remnant connecting the dorsal and distal aspects of the penis to the dorsal wall of the prepuce were also present. Surgical correction of the preputial and penile deformity, along with correction of the resulting paraphimosis and pendulous prepuce that became apparent following the initial surgery, are discussed.     

Preputial reconstruction in a dog

A 2-year-old dog was examined after a 22-month history of intermittent drying and chafing of the distal portion of the penis after traumatic loss of the cranial portion of the prepuce and fracture of the os penis at 8 weeks of age. A multiple-staged surgical procedure was performed to reconstruct the prepuce, including free buccal mucosal grafting and transfer of a peripreputial bipedicle subdermal plexus flap. Preputial reconstruction provided mucosal and cutaneous coverage of the penis.     

Congenital phimosis in a cat

An 8-week-old domestic shorthair cat was presented with a history of pollakiuria and polydipsia. No abnormalities were detected during the clinical examination other than the penis could not be extruded from the prepuce. Urine culture demonstrated a growth of E. coli, which was treated with a prolonged course of amoxycillin. The polydipsia resolved and the pollakiuria improved but did not completely abate after antibiotic treatment and the cat had occasional bouts of haematuria. Because of the history of pollakiuria and polydipsia and the ongoing, occasional bouts of haematuria, the cat underwent surgical correction of the congenital phimosis. A small wedge of the dorsal prepuce was removed and the ipsilateral edges of the prepuce were apposed using a simple interrupted pattern. The procedure was quick, easy to perform and led to a resolution of the occasional bouts of haematuria and pollakiuria.     

Microscopic characteristics of genital end bulbs in the penis of bulls

Light microscopic sections of Epon-embedded bull penis were examined for nerve endings. Tissue was taken from the dorsal midline of the glans penis and from the free portion of the penis in 6 mature bulls. Genital end bulbs were identified in both regions of the penis and were located from 1 to 500 micron beneath the epithelium, with most end bulbs concentrated next to the epithelium in the glans penis. Occasionally, end bulbs were found within nerve trunks. Other encapsulated endings were not seen. Ultrastructural correlation of the light and electron microscopic appearance of spherical end bulbs and elongated end bulbs indicated that their structure was identical. Two to 6 neurites filled with mitochondria were surrounded by several layers of thin cytoplasmic lamellae. The lamellae were characterized by pinocytotic vesicles, microtubules, and a scant basal lamina. A capsule of differing thickness enclosed the end bulbs. Fewer capsular layers surrounded more superficially located end bulbs. Near the epithelium, there were gaps in the capsule. Nonmyelinated fibers were seen within end bulbs and between end bulbs and the epithelium.     

Chronic prostatitis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, and balanoposthitis in a cat

An adult, intact male domestic shorthair presented for preputial swelling and urinary incontinence. A caudal abdominal mass was palpated. A transabdominal ultrasound examination showed severe prostatomegaly with abnormal tissue extending along the urethra. The cat was euthanized due to the owner's financial constraints and the veterinarians' suspicion of a poor long-term prognosis. Biopsies showed chronic active inflammation of the prostate, bladder, kidneys, ureters, penis, and prepuce most consistent with a chronic infectious process. Reports of feline prostatic disease of any kind are rare. Chronic prostatitis may have a more favorable prognosis than feline prostatic adenocarcinoma, currently the most commonly reported disease of the feline prostate.     

Transabdominal ultrasonographic determination of fetal gender in the horse during mid-gestation

Gender determination of the equine fetus using transabdominal ultrasonography was studied in 20 mares. One group of 10 research mares was scanned repeatedly every 2 weeks from 100 days gestation to parturition, while the second group of 10 client mares was subjected to echography once during mid-gestation. In males, the penis and/or prepuce was observed on 71 occasions from 102 days to 258 days gestation. On cross-sectional views, the male external genitalia had a round shape with parallel linear echogenic foci up to approximately 140 days gestation and then appeared triangular. Fetal testes were oval in shape in frontal view and had an homogeneous ultrasonographic appearance. Females were diagnosed on 23 occasions from 118 days to 227 days gestation based on the presence of the mammary glands and teats. Fetal ovaries appeared homogeneous with a characteristic circular echo from 100 days to 134 days gestation. Gender identifications (n = 98) based on the presence of the penis and/or prepuce in males and mammary glands and teats or fetal gonads in females were all correct, in agreement with the sex of the foals at birth. The optimal window of time was defined in both sexes as 100 to 220 days gestation. Thereafter, it was increasingly difficult to identify the anatomical structures cited above. Fetal sex was mainly determined using the transabdominal approach (87/98). However, the transrectal approach was useful in cases in which fetuses were either in posterior presentation or located very high in the mares abdomen. Good quality diagnostic scanners used typically in equine reproduction and equipped with a 5.0 MHz probe can be used for this procedure up to 160 days gestation, after which a 3.5 MHz transducer is often necessary due to increasing fetal size.     

Phallopexy for treatment of paraphimosis in the dog.

Three dogs with recurrent paraphimosis were surgically treated by creation of a phallopexy between the dorsal surface of the penis and the corresponding surface of the prepuce. Follow-up evaluation was performed 4 to 31 months postoperatively. Treatment was successful in each case, and no dog had any adverse sequelae.