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Preputial injury and laceration are not limited to B. indicus influenced breeds. In B. taurus bulls, preputial injury may occur at the time of breeding in a manner identical to that described for B. indicus bulls, but the outcome is often altered by phenotype. B. taurus breeds are more likely to retract all the damaged tissues into the preputial cavity following injury and as a result the wound is less likely to be noticed early. The visible preputial swelling may be confined to a well‐defined area adjacent to the bull's sheath, or may be more diffuse and occasionally extend from the preputial orifice caudally toward the scrotum. Because the compromised elastic tissues within the preputial cavity are contaminated with bacteria, cellulitis and phlegmon develop rapidly, often progressing to abscess formation.

Retropreputial abscess formation is more likely in bulls of B. taurus than B. indicus influenced breeds due to lack of redundant skin and generally tighter sheath conformation. Affected bulls present with an obvious swelling visible through the overlying skin of the sheath that may be accompanied by the presence of pus or blood at the preputial orifice. Diagnosis is based on physical examination and palpation, sometimes augmented by ultrasound imaging of the tissues. The differential diagnosis for preputial inflammation with visible disruption of the normal contour of the sheath must include the enlargement of the elastic tissues seen following rupture of the tunica albuginea of the penis. In contrast to the lesion seen with rupture of the tunica albuginea, retro preputial abscesses are usually non‐symmetrical and located distal to the sigmoid flexure nearer the level of the preputial fornix (Figure 15.8). Retropreputial abscess formation is associated with poor prognosis for future breeding. Destruction and impairment of the elastic tissues frequently result in adhesion formation within the elastic tissues of the prepuce and the overlying skin, or in compromise of the diameter of the preputial lumen, either of which may prevent extension of the penis [17].

Figure 15.8 Retropreputial abscess following preputial laceration in a young bull. Note location of the swollen tissues in the distal sheath.

Therapy for retropreputial cellulitis, phlegmon, and abscessation relies on systemic antibiotic administration and local wound management. Daily flushing of the preputial tissues with dilute antiseptic solutions and cold water hosing of the sheath aid in resolution of cellulitis. Drainage of a retropreputial abscess into the preputial lumen at the site of the original injury may facilitate recovery but is difficult to accomplish. No attempt should be made to drain a retropreputial abscess through the overlying skin of the sheath as inflammation and sepsis of the underlying elastic tissues are inevitable and subsequent formation of peripenile adhesions will decrease the chance of a successful outcome [17, 18]. Even with aggressive therapy the prognosis is guarded to poor and many affected bulls never return to service [17].