Priapism in Elephants

This disease page is currently being used in Wildpro to link different data types and demonstrate inter-relationships. Whilst basic information is available, it does not contain comprehensive information.

Trauma. 

Further information on Disease Agents has only been incorporated for agents recorded in species for which a full Wildpro "Health and Management" module has been completed (i.e. for which a comprehensive literature review has been undertaken). Only those agents with further information available are linked below:

• Non-specific physical trauma

• Persistent penile erection in the absence of sexual stimulation, consequently the penis cannot be manually reduced into the prepuce. (J3.153.w4)
• Reported in humans, horses, dogs and cats. (J3.153.w4)
• In horses it is most commonly seen due to preputial oedema after genital trauma. (J3.153.w4)

In Elephants:

Elephas maximus - Asian Elephant

• A case of priapism has been reported in a semi-wild Elephas maximus - Asian Elephant, about 30 years old, in Yok Don National Park, Vietnam. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)

Information is available from a single case report.

• The protruded penis nearly reached the ground. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
• The penis was markedly oedematous and severely enlarged. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
• The distal integument of the penis was black and necrotic and showed extensive excoriation and lacerations.  (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
• Urination was normal. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
• General behaviour and food intake were normal. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)

Treatment:

• Topical cleaning and debridement of the necrotic integument of the penis in field conditions without anaesthesia (this took about eight hours). (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
  • The penis was cleaned and disinfected with povidone iodine in an ice water solution. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
  • The necrotic and purulent tissue was removed. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
  • Manual retraction of the penis was attempted unsuccessfully. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
  • Topical sulphonamide antibiotic powder was applied. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
  • Several layers of elastic bandage were applied. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
  • Further cooling of the penis in ice water povidone iodine solution was carried out.
  • The penis was suspended against the abdomen with a wrap. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
• The cooling and disinfecting treatment was repeated twice daily. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
• After five days a 30% reduction in size of the penis was noted, with a further 20% size reduction on day six and 20% on day eight; at this time use of the elastic bandage was stopped but suspension against the abdomen was continued. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
• Manual retraction of the penis was obtained on day ten of treatment, however the penis protruded unless held in place. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
• On days 11 to 14 the entire penis was retained within the prepuce. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)
• A report on the animal three weeks later indicated that the treatment had been successful. (J3.153.w4, P5.40.w3)

• History & Documentation
• Physical Examination of Mammals
• Treatment and Care - General
• Environmental Assessment
• Necropsy of Mammals
• Chapter 2 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen Collection and Preservation
• Chapter 3 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen shipment
• Appendix A - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Sample specimen history form
• Medicating Elephants

• Elephants (Elephantidae - Elephants (Family))
• Elephas maximus - Asian Elephant

(List does not contain all other species groups affected by this disease)