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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
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
The first indication of a rectal tear may be the presence of fresh blood on the rectal sleeve following rectal examination.