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Case Reports
. 2022 Sep-Oct;12(5):693-696.
doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2022.v12.i5.14. Epub 2022 Sep 17.

A case of priapism following intrathecal morphine injection in a dog

Elena Lardone  1 , Veronica Giaiot  1 , Paolo Franci  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

A case of priapism following intrathecal morphine injection in a dog

Elena Lardone et al. Open Vet J. 2022 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Background: Priapism refers to prolonged erection unrelated to sexual stimulation, with severe sequelae unless treated. In humans, it is a rare complication associated with epidural or spinal opioid administration. Its pathophysiology is unclear. This is the first report of priapism following neuraxial anesthesia in dog.

Case description: An intrathecal morphine injection (30 mcg/kg) at L5-L6 for postoperative analgesia was given at the end of surgery for removal of cutaneous mastocytomas of the abdomen and left axillary lymphadenectomy. Painless penile erection occurred 2 hours later and lasted 6 hours, before spontaneously resolving 7-8 hours after the injection. No pain or other adverse events (e.g., nausea, urinary retention, and itching) were recorded. Recovery was complete without treatment.

Conclusion: Painless, self-resolving priapism is a rare complication associated with intrathecal morphine injection in dogs.

Keywords: Dog; Intrathecal morphine; Priapism.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the study was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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