Difference between revisions of "Rectal Tear - Horse"
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
==Clinical signs== | ==Clinical signs== | ||
| − | |||
Many rectal tears occur unknown to the examiner. The first indication that a tear has occurred may be the presence of fresh blood on the rectal sleeve following rectal examination. The veterinarian may be aware of a sudden release in pressure or increase in space when performing rectal examination. If the tear is complete, abdominal viscera may be easily palpable. Other clinical signs indicative of a rectal tear may include passage of haemorrhagic faeces, straining to defecate and signs of colic. | Many rectal tears occur unknown to the examiner. The first indication that a tear has occurred may be the presence of fresh blood on the rectal sleeve following rectal examination. The veterinarian may be aware of a sudden release in pressure or increase in space when performing rectal examination. If the tear is complete, abdominal viscera may be easily palpable. Other clinical signs indicative of a rectal tear may include passage of haemorrhagic faeces, straining to defecate and signs of colic. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
| + | If a rectal tear is suspected, it is important to establish its extent as this dictates the treatment required and the prognosis for recovery. The horse should be sedated before further examination is carried out and an epidural should be performed in order to prevent straining. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
| − | + | Grade 1 and 2 tears are best managed conservatively. | |
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
Revision as of 20:18, 10 August 2010
 |
This article is still under construction. |
Description
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.
Rectal tears are classified according to the layers of the bowel wall.
- Grade 1) Involves the mucosa only.
- Grade 2) Mucosal and submucosal tears
- Grade 3) Tears involving the muscularis. Only the serosa is intact
- Grade 4) Complete tear with leakage of faecal material into the abdomen
Clinical signs
Many rectal tears occur unknown to the examiner. The first indication that a tear has occurred may be the presence of fresh blood on the rectal sleeve following rectal examination. The veterinarian may be aware of a sudden release in pressure or increase in space when performing rectal examination. If the tear is complete, abdominal viscera may be easily palpable. Other clinical signs indicative of a rectal tear may include passage of haemorrhagic faeces, straining to defecate and signs of colic.
Diagnosis
If a rectal tear is suspected, it is important to establish its extent as this dictates the treatment required and the prognosis for recovery. The horse should be sedated before further examination is carried out and an epidural should be performed in order to prevent straining.
Treatment
Grade 1 and 2 tears are best managed conservatively.
Prognosis
References
- England, G. C. W. (2005) Fertility and Obsetrics in the Horse Wiley-Blackwell'
- Knottenbelt, D. C., Pascoe, R. R. (2003) Diseases and Disorders of the Horse Elsevier Health Sciences
- Robinson, N. E., Sprayberry, K. A. (2009) Current Therapy in Equine Medicine Elsevier Health Sciences