Difference between revisions of "Hemipenis Prolapse"
Siobhanbrade (talk | contribs) (Created page with "thumb|180px|right|'''Normal Hemipenes in a Snake''' (Wikimedia Commons) ==Introduction== '''Prolapse''' of the one or both of the '''[[Hemipe...") |
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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)]] | ||
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'''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 | + | 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 | + | 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'''. | ||
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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 | + | '''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 ''' | + | Prognosis is very '''good''' if amputation is '''not''' required, with snakes returning to their '''full breeding potential'''. If only one hemipenis is amputated, the snake may still be able to be used for breeding. |
{{Learning | {{Learning | ||
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Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson'' | Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson'' | ||
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| − | [[Category: | + | {{review}} |
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| + | [[Category:Snake Diseases]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:11, 26 July 2012
Introduction
Prolapse of the one or both of the 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 retractor penis muscles or the presence of a foreign body.
Clinical Signs
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
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.
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 urinary wastes and faeces. This should be removed after one week.
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 is very good if amputation is not required, with snakes returning to their full breeding potential. If only one hemipenis is amputated, the snake may still be able to be used for breeding.
| Hemipenis Prolapse Learning Resources | |
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 Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions |
Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 02 |
References
Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians Manson
 |
This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |
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