Repeated [[Rectal Examination of the Horse|rectal examinations]] are the cornerstone of colic diagnosis, as many large intestinal conditions can be definitively diagnosed by this method alone. It should be performed in every horse with abdominal pain, pyrexia of unknown origin,chronic diarrhea and weight loss. The rectal temperature must be taken prior to the examination. Other non-specific findings, such as dilated small intestinal loops, may also be detected, and can play a major part in determining if surgery is necessary.
+
Sequential [[Rectal Examination of the Horse|rectal examinations]] are the cornerstone of colic diagnosis, as many large intestinal conditions can be definitively diagnosed by this method alone. Other non-specific findings, such as dilated small intestinal loops, may also be detected, and the rectal examination can play a major part in determining the severity of the disease and if surgery is necessary.
+
+
=====Abnormal Rectal Examination Findings=====
+
* Cecal Gas
+
* Distention of the large or small colon (gas or ingesta)and volvulus