Abstract

We present cases of paraphimosis in two African fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) living in different marine mammal parks in Europe. The trainers described the animals presenting with partially exteriorized penises, unable to retract them within the preputial opening. The organs appeared edematous, irritated and painful. Voluntary manipulation, by local lubrification with liquid Vaseline, gynecological Betadine and dextrose solution, together with anti-inflammatory (Carprofen 4mg/kg BID in one case, Tolfenic acid 1,5mg/kg BID in the other) and hormonal (Acetate de megestrol - up to 60mg TID) treatments initiated from the beginning, were unsuccessful in maintaining the penises in the preputial opening.

The condition in the sea lions worsened over time and both penises becoming more edematous and necrotic. Each were treated with Clindamycin (11mg/kg BID), however persistent paraphimosis and mucosal necrosis necessitated surgical intervention. Each was anesthetized with Isoflurane (between 0.8 and 2% maintenance) following pre- medication with Medetomidine (20 mcg/kg IM) and Zoletil (0.7 mg/kg IM). One animal required complete amputation of the tip of the penis while the other needed partial penile bone amputation and urethra reconstruction. Both were castrated at the same time.

The animals were returned to the water on the following day and began eating and interacting immediately. One animal was hydrated voluntarily (1.5 - 2 L/day) post- operatively and both received Furosemide (2 mg/kg BID for four days) to promote urination, with Doxycycline (2.5 mg/kg PO BID) and Carprofen (4 mg/kg PO BID). The preputial opening was disinfected daily and the penises were exteriorized to prevent adhesions. One animal had clinical signs of infection with an elevated WBC count (16000 x 10.6/L) post-operatively and was successfully treated by the addition of Enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg PO BID).

Different causes of paraphimosis have been described in animals, including stenosis of the prepucial orifice, balanoprosthitis, trauma, foreign bodies in the prepuce, and fracture of the penile bone. In many cases, it occurs after coitus because of hair trapped in the prepucial orifice or constriction of the penis following a prepucial inversion.

These cases occurred in the winter and can be attributed to the high body weight and lowered water level at the moment paraphimosis was noted, suggesting a possible traumatic injury while either exiting or entering the pool. Immediate medical care is necessary in case of acute paraphymosis, but further complications like infection, necrosis of the penis potentially leading to gangrene in severe cases have been described in several species.