## Overview Priapism is a persistent erection unrelated to sexual stimulation, most often following administration of phenothiazine tranquilizers such as acepromazine. Penile paralysis is inability to retract the penis, which may accompany priapism. Both cause swelling and can lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly. It is an emergency in stallions. ## Causes Phenothiazine tranquilizers (most common), pelvic trauma, or neurologic disease. ## Diagnosis History and clinical appearance of a persistently dropped or erect penis. ## Treatment Immediate veterinary care: massage, compression, medications to promote detumescence, and in refractory cases surgical shunts or partial amputation. The longer treatment is delayed, the worse the prognosis. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair if treated early. Prolonged priapism often results in permanent paralysis and may end a breeding career. ## Prevention Avoid phenothiazine tranquilizers in breeding stallions when possible.
persistent penile protrusion without sexual stimulation; penile swelling and edema; inability to retract the penis; often follows phenothiazine tranquilizer
## Overview Priapism is a persistent erection unrelated to sexual stimulation, most often following administration of phenothiazine tranquilizers such as acepromazine. Penile paralysis is inability to retract the penis, which may accompany priapism. Both cause swelling and can lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly. It is an emergency in stallions. ## Causes Phenothiazine tranquilizers (most common), pelvic trauma, or neurologic disease. ## Diagnosis History and clinical appearance of a persistently dropped or erect penis. ## Treatment Immediate veterinary care: massage, compression, medications to promote detumescence, and in refractory cases surgical shunts or partial amputation. The longer treatment is delayed, the worse the prognosis. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair if treated early. Prolonged priapism often results in permanent paralysis and may end a breeding career. ## Prevention Avoid phenothiazine tranquilizers in breeding stallions when possible.
persistent penile protrusion without sexual stimulation; penile swelling and edema; inability to retract the penis; often follows phenothiazine tranquilizer