Diseases of the male in sheep and goats, disorders of the penis and foreskin

Disorders and diseases of the penis and foreskin in goats and sheep

1. Urinary tract stones (urolithiasis)

One of the most common problems in males, especially in grazing on a diet rich in grains and low in fiber.

The stones can become lodged in the penis or foreskin and cause obstruction of urination.

Symptoms: straining to urinate, dribbling of urine, pain, swelling of the penis or foreskin.

An emergency that can result in bladder rupture and death.

2. Phimosis

A condition in which the opening of the foreskin is too narrow and does not allow the penis to fully exit.

Causes difficulty in intercourse and sometimes also in urination.

3. Paraphimosis

A condition in which the penis gets stuck outside the foreskin and cannot go back in.

May be caused by trauma, edema or infection.

Leads to dehydration, sores and even necrosis of the penis if left untreated.

4. Foreskin infections (posthitis) and penis infections (balanitis)

Caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

Signs: swelling, redness, purulent discharge, pungent odor, pain.

Sometimes appear following minor injuries during friction or mating.

5. Catarrhal posthitis ("pizzle rot")

A well-known disease in male sheep caused by bacteria that break down urine and produce ammonia.

Leads to acute irritation and inflammation of the foreskin and penis, sores and ulcers.

Common in high-protein foods (alfalfa, legumes).

6. Trauma / Injuries

Penis fractures ("broken penis") as a result of a violent mating attempt or slippage.

Tears in the penile tissue → severe swelling and bruising, permanent impairment of the ability to mate.

7. Tumors and viral growths

Papillomatous warts (papillomas) on the penis or foreskin - usually benign, but interfere with mating.

Rarely - malignant tumors.

8. Birth defects

A urethral opening in an abnormal location (hypospadias/epispadias).

Curvature or shortening of the penis.

May prevent normal fertility.

Summary:

Disorders of the penis and foreskin in male sheep and goats include urinary obstructions (stones), infections, wounds, anatomical problems (phimosis/paraphimosis), trauma, and rarely tumors. Many of the problems are related to unbalanced nutrition (excess protein or minerals), environmental infections, or injuries during mating.

Urinary stones (urolithiasis):

Caused by an unbalanced diet, especially an excess of grains or protein-rich alfalfa. The stones become lodged in the penis or foreskin and cause a blockage in urination. Signs include straining to urinate, a thin dribble, pain, and swelling. An emergency that requires immediate treatment and sometimes surgery.

Phimosis:

The opening of the foreskin is too narrow and the penis is unable to come out. This makes it difficult to mate and sometimes also to urinate. Treatment involves relatively simple surgical intervention.

Paraphimosis:

The penis comes out during mating or urination and is unable to go back in. It dries out, becomes injured and may be severely damaged to the point of necrosis. Requires urgent treatment – ​​lubrication, return of the penis, and sometimes surgery.

Foreskin infections (posthitis) and penis infections (balanitis):

Develop from bacterial or fungal infections and sometimes after injury. Swelling, redness, discharge, and an unpleasant odor are seen. Treatment includes cleaning, antibiotics, and sometimes a change in environmental conditions and diet.

Catarrhal posthitis ("Pizzle rot"):

A disease typical of male rams. Caused by bacteria that break down urine and produce ammonia, which causes ulcers and severe burning in the foreskin and penis. Occurs especially when fed high protein (asparagus). Treatment includes reducing the protein level in the feed, local cleaning, and antibiotics.

Injuries and trauma ("penile fracture"):

During a violent mating attempt, the penis may rupture and cause a large internal hemorrhage (hematoma). The result is severe swelling and inability to mate in the future. Mild cases can be treated conservatively, in severe cases - the damage is usually permanent.

Warts and growths: Viral warts on the penis or foreskin interfere with sexual intercourse but are usually benign. Rarely, malignant growths can occur. Treatment – ​​surgical removal or supportive care.

Birth defects:

Such as a misplaced urethral opening or a short/curved penis. These defects cause difficulty in mating and sometimes also problems with urination. The solution – depends on the severity, in some cases there is no solution other than removal from the herd as a breeding male.

Many of the problems of male goats and sheep can be reduced in advance if an emphasis is placed on proper nutrition and management. Here are the principles of prevention:

1. Preventing urinary tract stones (the most common problem)

Do not give excess grains and mixtures rich in phosphorus – they cause stone formation.

Do not rely on alfalfa alone (very rich in protein and calcium).

It is important to balance calcium and phosphorus in a ratio of about 2:1 in the daily ration.

Provide plenty of fiber (quality hay, pasture) to keep the digestive system and urine balanced.

Provide free access to clean, fresh water – drinking a lot dilutes minerals in the urine.

In prone areas – add ammonium chloride to the mixture in an appropriate dose to acidify the urine and prevent stone formation.

2. Preventing foreskin and penis infections

Maintain a balanced diet – excess protein causes problems (such as “Pizzle rot”).

Maintain a dry and clean environment – ​​wet bedding and dirt increase infections.

Avoid high density in the pen to reduce friction and direct contact.

Monitor the males – If swelling or discharge appears, treat early before it gets worse.

3. Preventing injuries and trauma

Do not keep too many males together, especially during the breeding season – they fight and injure each other.

Allow space for movement and grazing to reduce friction and falls.

Avoid mating young males too early – the penis is still sensitive and prone to injury.

4. Preventing Warts and Growths

Warts are usually caused by viruses – avoiding crowding and congestion helps reduce infection.

Good environmental hygiene and separate equipment for sick males can reduce transmission.

5. Prevention of defects and effects on reproduction

Selecting healthy breeding males from reliable sources, free of birth defects.

Veterinary examination of the organs before introducing a ram or goat into a breeding herd.

Bottom line:

Maintaining a proper diet (plenty of fiber, calcium-phosphorus balance, no excess protein), plenty of water, a clean and spacious environment, and early monitoring – these are the steps that prevent most disorders of the penis and foreskin in male sheep and goats.

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.