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Description
Rectal prolapse in the horse is associated with conditions causing tenesmus (straining). These may include dystocia, constipation, neoplasia, foreign body obstruction, urethral obstruction or diarrhoea. Occasionally there is no apparent underlying cause.
Rectal prolapse is classified according to the type of tissue involved. Type I (or 'incomplete' prolapse) involves the rectal mucosa and submucosa only, appearing as a large 'doughnut' shaped soft tissue swelling at the rectum. Type II ('complete' prolapse) involves the entire rectal wall. Type III involves complete prolapse of the rectum in addition to intussusception of the peritoneal rectum. Complete intussuseption of the peritoneal rectum beyond the anus occurs with type IV rectal prolapse.
Signalment
Mares are more commonly affected than geldings or stallions.
Diagnosis
A cylindrical soft-tissue mass protruding from the rectum is usually diagnostic.
Treatment
Treatment should be aimed at reducing the prolapse as well as identifying and correcting the underlying cause of tenesmus. 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.