Changes

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

A cylindrical soft-tissue mass protruding from the rectum is usually diagnostic.

A cylindrical soft-tissue mass protruding from the rectum is usually diagnostic. In the dystocic mare, a full vaginal and rectal examination should be carried out in order to rule out the possibility of tears. Other diagnostic tests to investigate the underlying cause of the prolapse may include endoscopy of the bladder and lower urinary tract, rectal biopsy and rectal endoscopy.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment should be aimed at reducing the prolapse as well as identifying and correcting the underlying cause of tenesmus. Treatment depends on the type of prolapse. A simple prolapse of the rectum or rectal mucosa may be easily replaced providing minimal soft tissue trauma, contamination or dessication has occurred. In order to reduce any oedema, glycerin or dextrose combined with petroleum jelly may be applied topically. The prolapse may be replaced under epidural anaesthesia and a purse string suture placed in the anus. If the prolapse cannot be manually reduced, surgical amputation or resection of exposed tissue may be required. In the case of Type III and Type IV rectal prolapse, coeliotomy of the intussuscepted segment must be performed. It is important to provide faecal softeners following reduction of a prolapse due to the possibility of recurrence.

Treatment should be aimed at reducing the prolapse as well as identifying and correcting the underlying cause of tenesmus. Affected horses should be prevented from becoming recumbent before the prolapse has been replaced.

 

Treatment depends on the type of prolapse. A simple prolapse of the rectum or rectal mucosa may be easily replaced providing minimal soft tissue trauma, contamination or dessication has occurred. In order to reduce any oedema, glycerin or dextrose combined with petroleum jelly may be applied topically. The prolapse may be replaced under epidural anaesthesia and a purse string suture placed in the anus. If the prolapse cannot be manually reduced, surgical amputation or resection of exposed tissue may be required. In the case of Type III and Type IV rectal prolapse, coeliotomy of the intussuscepted segment must be performed. It is important to provide faecal softeners following reduction of a prolapse due to the possibility of recurrence.

==Complications==

==Complications==