Causes, treatment, and consequences of penile prolapse in horses

摘要

The article presents clinical cases of four cold-blooded stallions aged 6-9 years with diagnosed penile prolapse. The animals were referred to the Clinic relatively late: two horses in a period of 2-3 days from occurrence of prolapse, the third horse in the second week, and the fourth after 3 months. In three cases the penile prolapse was caused by mechanical trauma, in one case the cause was not established. Stallions undergoing treatment 2 and 3 days from the occurrence of prolapse did not suffered permanent or severe injuries to the copulative organ. Retraction of penis into the preputial cavity and using modified Buchner's suture for a period of 7 days proved an efficient treatment. The procedure made it possible for the horses after recovery to continue as reproductive stallions on breeding farms. The horses with prolonged penile prolapse were in poor condition, emaciated and exhausted, with blood biochemical parameters indicating liver failure. As a result of the long-term condition one horse developed penile necrosis and suffered from strangury, whereas the second was diagnosed with penile paralysis. These two horses irretrievably lost their copulative abilities. In these clinical cases, in addition to general supportive treatment falectomy and surgical retraction of the penis to the area behind scrotum were performed in order to prevent more serious health complications. Considering the serious consequences following penile prolapse, the retraction of the prolapsed organ to the prepuce should be performed promptly in order to prevent irreversible lesions and enable it to retain reproductive ability.