Penile Fibropapilloma in Bulls

Penile Fibropapilloma in bulls is common among young bulls housed together and is caused by the bovine papilloma virus. The virus enters the epithelium of the penis through wounds or abrasions and causes focal benign neoplastic growths of fibroblasts on the free portion of the penis and prepuce.

Homosexual riding of young bulls housed together may allow penile abrasions that allow virus entry into the epithelium.

These growths are often pedunculated and located near the glans penis. The lesion is first detected when the young bull is presented for breeding soundness evaluation or semen collection.

Large lesions may prevent retraction of the penis into the preputial cavity.

Fibropapillomas can be removed with the bull restrained and standing, or ideally with the bull recumbent, sedated, and restrained on a rotating chute or tilt table.

Extend the penis and remove the mass using scalpel blade, electrocautery, or a laser. The mass can also be removed using cryosurgery.

Dissect carefully when the mass is adjacent the urethra, which can be identified during dissection by passing a catheter into the urethra.