Paraphimosis of the penis
By Dr Mackie Hobson BSc(Agric),BVSc

1. Reproduction
2. Procedures and Protocols

Paraphimosis in Angora goat rams tends to occur more in young rams kept together that are constantly ‘riding’ each other.

What is paraphimosis?

Paraphimosis is the inability to completely retract the penis into the preputial cavity. It usually occurs after erection, which results in the drying out, trauma, infection and tissue necrosis of the penis if left.

What causes it?

When the penis is out of the sheath (erect) when mating or ‘riding’, the skin or hair may become trapped, resulting in the folding (scrolling in) of the preputial skin. This causes a constriction of the prepuce and prevents the penis from slipping back into the prepuce.

It can be caused by a narrow preputial opening which causes the skin to fold in on itself when the penis retracts. This can be surgically corrected by a vet.

How to treat Paraphimosis

1. Trim any hair around the preputial opening that could become snagged on the penis as it slides back into the sheath.

2. Soak and soften the scabs/material over the penis, gently massage off, and clean.

Chlorhexidine soap, Acriflavine glycerin or iodine can be used.

3. Lubricate the penis in KY gel (lignocaine can be added to the gel to reduce the pain).

Then reintroduce the penis (reducing the folded prepuce that caused the constriction) into the prepuce.

4. The penis can be left and monitored closely, or a purse-string suture can be placed after spraying topical xylocaine.

5. Introduce Acriflavine-glycerin into the prepuce and give the goat an anti-inflammatory injection.

6. The ram must be closely monitored, and the purse-string suture (if placed) must be removed in 5-7 days.

Dr Mackie Hobson