Partial Phallectomy and Penile Retroversion as a Surgical Approach for Severe Preputial Laceration in a Donkey (Equus asinus)

TL;DR

A donkey with severe penile injuries was successfully treated using a surgical approach involving partial phallectomy and penile retroversion, leading to long-term recovery.

Contribution

This case report introduces the use of partial phallectomy combined with penile retroversion for treating severe penile trauma in donkeys, a technique previously undocumented in this species.

Findings

The surgical technique successfully restored normal urination in the donkey four years post-surgery.

Postoperative complications were managed effectively, leading to complete recovery.

The procedure is proposed as a viable option for treating extensive penile and preputial lacerations in donkeys.

Abstract

Penile trauma in equines can cause injuries of varying severity, potentially leading to temporary or permanent dysfunction. In severe cases, various surgical techniques can be employed to restore the animal's quality of life, such as partial phallectomy combined with penile retroversion. However, descriptions of the application of this technique in donkeys are lacking. This report describes the surgical treatment of a donkey with extensive preputial and penile laceration using the technique of partial phallectomy combined with penile retroversion. An 18-month-old intact male donkey presented with extensive preputial and penile lacerations, resulting in the complete rupture of the preputial lamina, permanent penile protrusion, tissue necrosis, and urethral rupture with urine leakage. The donkey underwent a partial phallectomy and penile retroversion after a 2-week preoperative period, which included debridement, dressings, and antibiotic therapy. The surgical procedure involved the creation of a perineal urethrostomy and partial penile amputation. Postoperative care included antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy, as well as local wound management. Postoperative complications included postmicturition hemorrhage and partial suture dehiscence. Despite these issues, a complete recovery was achieved, and the donkey was discharged after 56 days postsurgery. Four years later, the donkey was urinating normally without complications. Penile retroversion combined with partial phallectomy proves to be an effective surgical approach for treating extensive penile and preputial lacerations in donkeys, providing lasting results and long-term complication-free outcomes.

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