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==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Grade 1 and 2 tears are best managed conservatively with a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, broad-spectrum antibiotics and laxatives such as mineral oil. A moist diet such as bran mash or grass should be provided in order to aid defecation. The horse should be closely monitored for signs of colic, haematochezia, dyschezia, pyrexia and tenesmus. Repeated rectal examination should be avoided unless unavoidable.
Grade 1 and 2 tears are best managed conservatively with a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, broad-spectrum antibiotics and laxatives such as mineral oil. A moist diet such as bran mash or grass should be provided in order to aid defecation. The horse should be closely monitored for signs of colic, haematochezia, dyschezia, pyrexia and tenesmus. Repeated rectal examination should be avoided unless unavoidable. Tears less that two to three centimetres in length usually heal without causing further problems and rarely require treatmemnt.
Grade 3 and 4 tears are acute, life-threatening emergencies and should be referred to a surgical facility. Before transportation it is essential that appropriate emergency care is provided and measures are performed to prevent faecal contamination. The rectum should be packed with an antiseptic tampon; a length of stocking filled with betadine-soaked cotton has been recommended for this.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics, flunixin meglumine and appropriate tetanus prophylaxis should also be provided.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==