Broken Penis: (Phimosis; Paraphimosis)

16.5 Broken Penis: (Phimosis; Paraphimosis)

When a bull pursues a cow in heat, he tries to mount and insert his penis into her vulva. If he misses her vulva, it is possible for his penis to become bruised, broken, or swollen. The penis of a stallion or bull can also swell up from other injuries, like being kicked by another animal. The swelling may impede the blood flow to the penis causing the tissue to die.

 If the penis swells up while it is extended, then sometimes it cannot retract. This is called paraphimosis. If a retracted penis swells up, then sometimes it cannot extend. This is called phimosis.

Symptoms / Diagnosis: The penis and/or the tissue around it will be swollen. In some cases, the animal may have trouble urinating. The animal's whole belly may become swollen. If the tissue of the penis dies, an infection may start, or the area may become infested with maggots.

Treatment: Treatment is not easy. Surgery is usually not possible.

 The penis and the surrounding tissue should be thoroughly washed. All black, dead tissue must be removed.

 Animals should be given antibiotics. Long-acting penicillin is a good choice because it also protects against tetanus.

 Any maggots should be removed and the affected area treated with a product effective against maggots or screwworm.

 For paraphimosis, when the penis is stuck outside the body and cannot go back in, try to reduce the swelling and gently push the penis back into the sheath. The swelling can be reduced by bathing the affected area in cold water, applying ice or a cloth soaked in magnesium sulfate, and/or giving the animal Lasix. If the penis comes back out again, then gently push it back in and place a suture in the sheath to keep the penis retracted for a few days. Once this is accomplished and the swelling has diminished, the suture can be removed. If the penis cannot be pushed back into the sheath, then it must be bathed regularly to keep the tissue from drying out and to reduce swelling.

 For phimosis, when the penis is stuck inside the body, try pulling gently to extend the penis. Sometimes it is necessary to massage the penis near the scrotum, and even higher in case it is stuck there.