Changes

Treatment should be aimed at reducing the prolapse as well as identifying and correcting the underlying cause of tenesmus. Affected horses should be prevented from becoming recumbent before the prolapse has been replaced.  

Treatment should be aimed at reducing the prolapse as well as identifying and correcting the underlying cause of tenesmus. Affected horses should be prevented from becoming recumbent before the prolapse has been replaced.  

Treatment depends on the type of prolapse. A simple prolapse of the rectum or rectal mucosa may be easily replaced providing minimal soft tissue trauma, contamination or dessication has occurred. In order to reduce any oedema, glycerin or dextrose combined with petroleum jelly may be applied topically. The prolapse may be replaced under epidural anaesthesia and a purse string suture placed in the anus. If the prolapse cannot be manually reduced, surgical amputation or resection of exposed tissue may be required. In the case of Type III and Type IV rectal prolapse, coeliotomy of the intussuscepted segment must be performed.  

Treatment depends on the type of prolapse. A simple prolapse of the rectum or rectal mucosa may be easily replaced providing minimal soft tissue trauma, contamination or dessication has occurred. In order to reduce any oedema, glycerin or dextrose combined with petroleum jelly may be applied topically. The prolapse may be replaced under epidural anaesthesia and a purse string suture placed in the anus. If the prolapse cannot be manually reduced, surgical amputation or resection of exposed tissue may be required. In the case of Type III and Type IV rectal prolapse, reduction of the intussuscepted segment may be possible as long as no ischaemia has occurred. If disruption to the blood supply has occurred, amputation of the affected segment may be required with subsequent colorectal anastamosis or colostomy.  

It is important to provide faecal softeners following reduction of a prolapse to prevent straining and reduce the possibility of recurrence. Other complications following reduction include wound breakdown, infection and uterine or bladder prolapse (in mares).  

It is important to provide faecal softeners following reduction of a prolapse to prevent straining and reduce the possibility of recurrence. Other complications following reduction include wound breakdown, infection and uterine or bladder prolapse (in mares).