Chapter 39 - Rectum and Anus Flashcards
What is the approximate length of the rectum in an adult horse?
The rectum is approximately 30 cm long in an adult horse.
What factors influence the distance from the anus to the peritoneal reflection?
The distance from the anus to the peritoneal reflection is highly variable and is shorter in young horses and in horses with little body fat.
How is the peritoneal part of the rectum attached dorsally?
The peritoneal part of the rectum is attached dorsally by the mesorectum, which is a continuation of the mesocolon.
What forms the dilation in the retroperitoneal part of the rectum?
The retroperitoneal part of the rectum forms a dilation called the rectal ampulla, which has thick longitudinal muscle bundles.
What structures enclose the anal canal?
The anal canal is enclosed by the internal anal sphincter, a thickening of the circular smooth muscle, and the external anal sphincter, composed of striated muscle.
From where does the levator ani muscle arise, and what is its action?
The levator ani muscle arises from the ischiatic spine and sacrotuberal ligament. Its action overcomes the tendency of the anus to prolapse during defecation.
Why are rectal tears considered life-threatening injuries?
due to the risk of peritonitis and endotoxic shock. The risk of a malpractice claim against the veterinarian is influenced by the standard of care applied after the tear.
What are the minimal measures required to prevent iatrogenic rectal tears during examination?
Copious lubrication of the hand and forearm and adequate restraint of the horse, including sedation if necessary, are regarded as the minimal measures required to prevent iatrogenic rectal tears during examination.
What causes most rectal tears resulting from palpation per rectum?
Most rectal tears caused by palpation per rectum result from rupture of the rectal wall as it contracts around the examiner’s hand or forearm and not from penetration with the fingertips.
Which horse breeds, gender, and age groups are most prone to rectal tears?
Arabian horses, American Miniature Horses, mares, and horses older than 9 years are the breeds, gender, and age groups most prone to rectal tears.
How are rectal tears classified based on severity?
Rectal tears are classified into four grades based on severity:
grade I involves the mucosa and submucosa,
grade II involves the muscular layer
grade III involves all layers except the serosa (grade IIIa) or mesorectum and retroperitoneal tissues (grade IIIb),
grade IV involves all layers and allows fecal contamination of the peritoneal cavity.
a) Grade I: disruption of mucosa and submucosa, while muscularis andserosal layers remain intact.
Grade II: disruption of muscularis layers, while mucosa, submucosa and serosal layers remain intact.
Grade IIIa: disruption of mucosa, submucosa and muscularis layers while serosa remains intact
Grade IIIb: all 4 layers of the rectum
are disrupted dorsally into the mesocolon, but the mesocolon remains intact.
Grade IV: all 4 layers are torn resulting in direct
communication between the rectal lumen and the peritoneal cavity
Where do most rectal tears involve the dorsal aspect of the rectum (cm from anus), and how are they oriented?
Most rectal tears involve the dorsal aspect of the rectum, **located 4 to 60 cm from the anus**, and are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis.
The cause that appears to influence the size of the tear is ____(1w)
dystocia, with a median size of 25 cm in one study
What is the initial treatment for rectal tears, and why is early diagnosis essential?
Early diagnosis is essential for successful treatment and to avoid legal repercussions. Initial treatment includes (1) reduction of activity of the rectum,
(2) gentle removal of feces from the tear and rectum,
(3) treatment of septic shock and peritonitis, and
(4) administration of epidural anesthesia and packing of the rectum
What materials are used for rectal packing to prevent conversion of a grade III to a grade IV tear?
Rectal packing is done using a 7.5-cm stockinette filled with 0.25 kg of moistened rolled cotton, sprayed with povidone-iodine, and lubricated with surgical gel.
Which medications are administered for treatment of rectal tears?
Flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg IV BID), sodium or potassium penicillin (22,000 IU/kg BW IV QID), gentamicin (6.6 mg/kg IV SID), and metronidazole (15 mg/kg PO QID) are administered for treatment.
Intravenous fluids are required to treat shock.
How can rectal tears be assessed and treated after initial first aid?
Rectal tears can be assessed through epidural anesthesia, xylazine (0.1-0.2 mg/kg), butorphanol tartrate (0.1 mg/kg IV), or butylscopolamine bromide (0.3 m/kg IV) slow, followed by lidocaine enema (12 mL of 2% lido in 50 mL tap water) or lidocaine jelly application.
Rectal tears are treated with appropriate antibiotics, and daily inspection and careful evacuation of the rectum may be sufficient for grade I and II tears.
Which grades require surgery?
Grade 1 & 2 tears RARELY require sx
*Grade 1 respond well to abx (TMPS),flunixin, mineral oil & dietary changes i.e. bran mashes,moistened pellets, or grass, to reduce fecal volume and soften the consistency
*Grade 3 can require sx BUT medical management can be successful (less ££)
Mair 2000 EVJ Supp –6/8 tx successfully with medical management grade 3b tearsALL developed septic peritonitis,3/6 developed rectal diverticulum in the tear – WITHOUT apparent C/S (onlymanually evacuate rectum if the tear becomes impacted)
*Full-thickness tears into retroperitoneal space maybe treated with manual evacuation of feces, abx, fecal softener, & packing with gauze soaked in antiseptic solution until defect fills with granulation tissue *