Preputial injuries in beef bulls: 172 cases (1980-1985)

One hundred seventy-two bulls with preputial injuries were treated from 1980 through 1985. Most of the injuries developed during the breeding season (April through August), with a peak during June. The number (111) of bulls represented by 3 beef breeds (Brangus, Brahman, Beefmaster) was greater than the number (61) of the other 9 breeds included in the survey. Preputial prolapse (PP) and posthitis without obvious laceration was diagnosed in 82 of 172 bulls. Preputial laceration, abscessation, stricture with phimosis, and PP with penile hematoma were diagnosed in 46, 22, 15, and 9 bulls, respectively. These abnormalities were treated medically and/or surgically. Questionnaires (n = 145) were mailed, and 83 (57.4%) replies were received. Owners (80/83) of affected bulls responded to questions regarding the future use of their bulls for breeding. Of the bulls with PP and posthitis (n = 34), laceration (n = 17), abscessation (n = 15), stricture with phimosis (n = 8) and PP with penile hematoma (n = 6) and treated medically and/or surgically, 30, 11, 7, 7, and 4 bulls, respectively, (74% overall) were returned to breeding use successfully.