Case series: Surgical success and reproductive performance after correction of penile deviations in 10 bulls

Abstract

Information regarding expected outcomes such as surgical complications and successful return to natural service after surgery to correct penile deviation of bulls is limited. There­fore, when examining a bull with a penile deviation, mak­ing evidence-based recommendations and managing client expectations for return to function is difficult for veterinar­ians. The objective of the study reported here is to provide documented outcomes of return to reproductive performance for bulls following surgery to correct penile deviation. Medi­cal records at 4 teaching hospitals from 2008 to 2022 were re­viewed. Surgical and reproductive outcomes of impotent bulls that underwent surgery to correct spiral or ventral deviation by either fascia graft or synthetic mesh were evaluated. Only 10 cases, from 3 teaching hospitals, had sufficient follow-up information regarding outcome after surgery to be evaluated. None of the bulls experienced surgical complications (e.g., infection, dehiscence, etc.). Surgery sufficiently corrected the deviation to achieve intromission in 6 of the 10 bulls. Five of these 6 bulls sired progeny. Overall, surgical correction of penile deviation in bulls appears to have a low risk for compli­cations, but the success of surgery in returning the bull to re­productive soundness is inconsistent, as only 5 of the 10 total cases sired progeny via natural service.