Rectal Tear - Horse

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 developing tears.

Rectal tears are classified according to the layers of the bowel wall.

• 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

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. If the tear is complete, abdominal viscera may be easily palpable. Other clinical signs indicative of a rectal tear may include passage of haemorrhagic faeces, straining to defecate and signs of colic.

References

• Robinson, N. E., Sprayberry, K. A. (2009) Current Therapy in Equine Medicine Elsevier Health Sciences