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Diagnostic
Tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what is wrong with your horse, in order to reach a diagnosis.

Cost: Under $100

These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.

YOUR VET MAY PERFORM

Rectal Exam for Abdominal Disorders

Cost: Under $100

These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.

Summary

Rectal palpation is an important and common diagnostic procedure in equine veterinary practice. It is one of the only ways to access organs that are otherwise difficult to visualize or reach. This diagnostic provides extremely useful information in diagnosing a number of disease processes, especially those that result in signs of abdominal pain (colic), weight loss, diarrhea or any other observation that may result from a gastrointestinal abnormality.

A vet carefully inserts a lubricated, gloved arm into the rectum. Through the rectal wall, normal structures are felt for their position and characteristics. Organs regularly palpated include the female reproductive organs, bladder, left kidney, back edge of spleen, parts of large and small colon, parts of small intestine, the inguinal rings and others. Some of these can be felt only when they are abnormal. In cases of colic, the rectal exam may provide valuable information that contributes to the diagnosis.

Why A Vet Chooses This Diagnostic

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Related Observations

Your vet might choose this diagnostic test if you were making these observations.

Very Common
Less Common
Rare
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Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider

This test could rule out or confirm any of the following diagnoses.

Very Common
Less Common
Rare
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BENEFITS
Although the results of this test should be evaluated in conjunction with other diagnostics, a complete history, and physical exam, it is an extremely important tool for diagnosing a wide range of gastrointestinal problems or narrowing the list of possible diagnoses.

LIMITATIONS

Great care must be taken in performing a rectal exam and in interpreting the results. The examiner can usually only reach the back (caudal) 1/3 of the abdomen, so there are structures and parts of structures that cannot be felt. Experienced practitioners are much more accurate in their assessment, but there is always room for error and misinterpretation.

Rectal exam cannot be used effectively in horses that are too small to accommodate their hand and arm. In foals, a finger can be inserted rectally to aid in detection of some meconium impaction cases.

There is a small risk of rectal tear, a potentially fatal injury.

your role

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Questions To Ask Your Vet:
  • What is the risk of rectal exam versus the potential benefit in terms of diagnostic information?

further reading & resources

Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP