A technique for amputation of the equine penis.

This research article discusses the need, surgical procedures, and potential complications associated with amputation of a horse’s penis, providing case studies where this operation was necessary due to extreme conditions such as invasive tumors and chronic distress from winged insects.

Background of Equine Penis Amputation

• The article begins by outlining the potential reasons for amputation of the equine penis, which may include conditions like neoplasia, traumatic injury, urethral calculus, paraphimosis, priapism, or penis prolapse after castration or use of certain tranquilizers.
• It provides a historical context highlighting earlier operations recorded as far back as 1895 and mentions common complications such as recurrence of neoplasm with metastasis, urethral stricture, and dribbling of urine onto the hind legs of the horse.

Case Studies

• The paper provides two detailed case studies. The first case involves a 10-year-old New Forest pony gelding with an invasive pedunculated tumor that had resulted in frequent urination necessitating amputation.
• The second case features a 22-year-old Connemara cross gelding with extensive neoplasms, with one the size of a tennis ball. The amputation was advised due to the discomfort the horse experienced from flies attracted to the large growths.

Surgical Procedures

• The article describes the surgical procedure in detail. With the horse in lateral recumbency under full anesthesia, the operation begins by fully extending the penis and applying an Esmarch’s bandage that can be tightened if excessive bleeding occurs.
• Following the necessary surgical prep, a circular incision is made and the penis amputated, ensuring that all tumor tissue is removed. At this stage, a Neilson catheter is inserted into the urethra.
• The surgical steps continue with the passing of a ligature of 7 mm chromic catgut just dorsal to the catheterized urethra, approximately 1 cm caudal to the stump of the penis, and secured around the corpus cavernosum penis.
• Lastly, the penile skin is reflected caudally but not included in the ligature.