Priapism Following hCG Administration In A Cat

Priapism, defined as a persistent and painful penile erection in the absence of sexual excitation, is an uncommon disorder of cats that usually requires penile amputation and perineal urethrostomy. This report describes a case of priapism in a short-haired Persian male cat aged 3 years. The condition had appeared after attempted mating with a female at the end of oestrus and the time of referral to the authors was 10 days after onset. Previous treatment had consisted of corticosteroids and local lubricants. On physical examination, the cat appeared bright and alert; the penis was erect but the colour was normal; blood analysis excluded viral pathologies. The cat history revealed that he had been treated with 500 IU hCG i.m. because he had to mate with three queens in a short period of time. In consideration of the mild symptoms, conservative treatment was adopted. The condition resolved in about 40 days. This is the first report of priapism following hCG administration in a cat and indicates that the misuse of this gonadotropin might cause potentially harmful side effects.