Changes

* Grade 1) Involves the mucosa only.  

* Grade 1) Involves the mucosa only.  

* Grade 2) Mucosal and submucosal tears

* Grade 2) Mucosal and submucosal tears

Grade 3) Tears involving the muscularis. Only the serosa is intact

* Grade 3) Tears involving the muscularis. Only the serosa is intact

Grade 4) Complete tear with leakage of faecal material into the abdomen

* Grade 4) Complete tear with leakage of faecal material into the abdomen

==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.

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. Other clinical signs indicative of a rectal tear may include passage of haemorrhagic faeces, straining to defecate and signs of colic.