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[[File:Rattlesnake Hemipenes 2.jpg|thumb|180px|right|'''Normal Hemipenes in a Snake''' (Wikimedia Commons)]]

[[File:Rattlesnake Hemipenes 2.jpg|thumb|180px|right|'''Normal Hemipenes in a Snake''' (Wikimedia Commons)]]

'''Prolapse''' of the one or both of the '''[[Hemipenes|hemipenes]]''' can occur in the '''male snake'''. This condition can occur secondary to '''irritation/inflammation''' of the hemipenes, inflamation/irritation of the surrounding sheath tissues, '''trauma''' or '''neurological damage''' to the '''[[Snake Reproductive System|retractor penis muscles]]''' or the presence of a '''foreign body'''.

'''Prolapse''' of the one or both of the '''[[Hemipenes|hemipenes]]''' can occur in the '''male snake'''. This condition can occur secondary to '''irritation/inflammation''' of the hemipenes, inflamation/irritation of the surrounding sheath tissues, '''trauma''' or '''neurological damage''' to the '''[[Snake Reproductive System|retractor penis muscles]]''' or the presence of a '''foreign body'''.

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

The snake will present with one or both of the hemepenes '''extruded'''. Severe '''swelling''' is common. There may also be evidence of '''infection, paralysis, maceration or severe trauma'''.

The snake will present with one or both of the hemipenes '''extruded'''. Severe '''swelling''' is common. There may also be evidence of '''infection, paralysis, maceration or severe trauma'''.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

It the snake is presented to the vet shortly after the prolapse has occured, it should be possible to '''return''' to hemipenis to its sheath relatively easily once it has been '''cleaned'''.  

It the snake is presented to the vet shortly after the prolapse has occurred, it should be possible to '''return''' the hemipenis to its sheath relatively easily once it has been '''cleaned'''.  

It is more common for the snake to present with a '''severely swollen and firm hemipenis''', and it is impossible to replace it within the sheath. In these cases '''sugar solutions''' should be applied to the hemipenis in an attempt to reduce swelling. If this is successful then the hemipenis should be return to the sheath using ample '''lubrication'''.

It is more common for the snake to present with a '''severely swollen and firm hemipenis''', and it is impossible to replace it within the sheath. In these cases '''sugar solutions''' should be applied to the hemipenis in an attempt to reduce swelling. If this is successful then the hemipenis should be return to the sheath using ample '''lubrication'''.

Once the hemipenis has been replaced within the sheath, a '''purse-string suture''' should be placed in the '''pericloacal vent rim''' to prevent recurrence. It should be left lose enough to allow the passage of [[Snake Digestive System|urinary wastes and faeces]]. This should be removed after '''one week'''.  

Once the hemipenis has been replaced within the sheath, a '''purse-string suture''' should be placed in the '''pericloacal vent rim''' to prevent recurrence. It should be left lose enough to allow the passage of [[Snake Digestive System|urinary wastes and faeces]]. This should be removed after '''one week'''.  

'''Amputation''' will be required if the hemepenis '''cannot be returned''' to the sheath, or if there are signs of '''infection, paralysis''' or significant '''trauma'''.  

'''Amputation''' will be required if the hemipenis '''cannot be returned''' to the sheath, or if there are signs of '''infection, paralysis''' or significant '''trauma'''.  

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

Prognosis is very '''good''' if amputation is '''not''' required, with snakes returning to their '''[[Snake Reproductive System|full breeding potential]]'''.

Prognosis is very '''good''' if amputation is '''not''' required, with snakes returning to their '''[[Snake Reproductive System|full breeding potential]]'''. If only one hemipenis is amputated, the snake may still be ablle to be used for breeding.

{{Learning

{{Learning

Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson''

Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson''

[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]

 

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]

[[Category:Snake Diseases]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]