Equine Reproduction and Stud Medicine Q&A 09

This question was provided by Manson Publishing as part of the OVAL Project. See more Equine Reproduction and Stud Medicine questions

The penis of a stallion used for natural breeding is shown:

Question	Answer		Article
What is your diagnosis?	Equine coital exanthema caused by EHV-3. The virus causes vesicles to appear on the shaft of the penis and prepuce of the stallion. When these rupture, ulcerated areas are left and infectious material may be spread. The ulcers usually heal rapidly without complications, leaving depigmented areas.		Link to Article
What treatment would you advise?	Immediate sexual rest for up to 3 weeks to allow healing of the lesions and prevent further spread. Further treatment is often not necessary, although topical antibiotic ointment can be used to prevent secondary bacterial infection following cleansing of the lesions. The stallion’s penis may be washed with a very mild solution of disinfectant (2% chlorhexidine) for 3 consecutive days.		Link to Article
How would you control the disease?	Coital exanthema is a venereal disease and outbreaks are usually sporadic, with the initial cause difficult to identify. Control is by hygienic working and careful inspection and withholding mating of affected horses and appropriate hygiene precautions when handling affected animals. AI provides a means of control.		Link to Article