Rectal tears are serious injuries in the horse, most commonly occurring as a result of rectal examination by veterinarians. Other less common causes include dystocia, ruptured haematomas, spinal fractures, strictures and thromboembolism. Rectal tears may occur in horses of all ages although nervous or young horses are more often affected. Arabaians and small horses are also more prone to
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Rectal tears are serious injuries in the horse, most commonly occurring as a result of rectal examination by veterinarians. Other less common causes include dystocia, ruptured haematomas, spinal fractures, strictures and thromboembolism. Rectal tears may occur in horses of all ages although nervous or young horses are more often affected. Arabaians and small horses are also more prone to developing tears.
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Grade 1) Involves the mucosa only
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Rectal tears are classified according to the layers of the bowel wall.
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Grade 2) Mucosal and submucosal tears
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* Grade 1) Involves the mucosa only.
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* Grade 2) Mucosal and submucosal tears
Grade 3) Tears involving the muscularis. Only the serosa is intact
Grade 3) Tears involving the muscularis. Only the serosa is intact
Grade 4) Complete tear with leakage of faecal material into the abdomen
Grade 4) Complete tear with leakage of faecal material into the abdomen