Rectal Tears in Horses Flashcards
most rectal tears are ____ cm from anus
4-60 cm
<30 cm more common secondary to foaling
bypass techniques for rectal tears
- temporary indwelling rectal liner via celiotomy (passes in feces in 9-12 days)
- colostomy performed standing: double incision loop technique is GS
indications for bypass procedures for rectal tears (4)
- prevents fecal impaction
- prevents worsening
- allow grade 3 to heal without direct repair
- can protect sutures post direct repair
signalment for rectal tears
- ARABIANS
- miniature horses
- males > females
- fractious horses
- horses with previous tears
rectal tears are most commonly in ____ aspect of rectum (unless secondary to foaling)
dorsal aspect
grade 2 rectal tears
ONLY muscularis (mucosa and submucosa intact and bulge out) -> diverticulum where feces can get trapped
Do NOT bleed -> often go unnoticed
this type of rectal tear can ONLY be treated via conservative management
Grade 2
do you need to mention the risk of rectal tear to clients?
NO
treatment for grade 2 rectal tears
NOT surgery
ONLY conservative
surgical treatment options for rectal tears
- direct suture repair
- bypass procedures (temporary indwelling rectal liner vs. colostomy
_____ allows grade 3 to heal without direct repair
bypass procedures
main cause of rectal tears in horses
transrectal palpation (usually as wall contracts)
can also occur during foaling
survival rate for grade 4 rectal tears
6% survival; usually only those that happen secondary to foaling (therefore fixed immediately) survive
abdominocentesis with WBCs >_____ = peritonitis
50,000
ways to minimize risk for rectal tears in horses
- lots of lube
- clean feces out
- relax arm when horse strains
- busocpan (decreases rectal pressure by 70%)
- lidocaine enemas (does NOT decrease rectal pressure)