Priapism

Priapism is an uncommon disorder in male cats and dogs. It is characterized by a persistent penile erection that lasts for more than one hour, resulting in pain and dysuria. Priapism is most likely to develop secondary to trauma during mating or during castration. Other causes of priapism can be categorized as either high flow or low flow. High-flow priapism results from the development of arteriovenous fistulas or a persistent increase in blood flow from a neuro-arterial disturbance. Low-flow priapism is associated with a poorer prognosis as the damage from the ischemia is more severe. The persistently erect penis may be within the prepuce or the prepuce may be behind the bulbus glandis. An important differential when presented with a priapism case is paraphimosis. Other than direct examination, the diagnosis can be made using ultrasound and radiography.