Idiopathic penile prolapse in a juvenile Nile crocodile ( Crocodylus niloticus ): A multimodal diagnostic investigation

Abstract

Idiopathic penile prolapse was diagnosed in a juvenile male Nile crocodile ( Crocodylus niloticus ) maintained under captive conditions. A systematic, multimodal diagnostic approach was undertaken, incorporating physical examination, haematology, serum biochemistry, advanced imaging (contrast‐enhanced computed tomography angiography and ultrasonography), targeted histopathology and microbiology. Findings were most consistent with acute, localised ischaemic injury to the prolapsed phallus accompanied by a mild, self‐limiting systemic stress response. No evidence of trauma, infectious cloacitis, congenital anatomical abnormality, gastrointestinal or urogenital obstruction, or nutritional/metabolic disease was identified. Low‐level environmental contaminants detected in environmental samples represented background exposure and were not causally associated with the prolapse. Surgical management comprising conservative debridement and anatomical reduction resulted in rapid, uncomplicated recovery with no recurrence during a 3‐month follow‐up. This case emphasises the diagnostic complexity of penile prolapse in reptiles and provides a systematic investigative framework to support exclusion of common primary aetiologies.