Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Rectal Impaction (in Adult)
Summary
A rectal impaction is a manure obstruction within the small colon, but only a few feet (1 meter) away from the anus. At this location, the veterinarian's hand might actually be able to reach and remove the obstruction.
Like an obstruction located anywhere in the intestinal tract, rectal impaction is expected to cause colic signs. Unlike other conditions, however, this condition tends to cause a horse to strain when passing manure.
Rectal impactions are very rare in adult horses, but meconium (first manure) obstructions of the rectum are common in foals.
Rectal impactions in adults may be caused by viral infection or parasite damage to rectal function. Rarely, horses that eat very coarse hays or feeds may develop rectal impaction. Rectal trauma and subsequent scarring can result in a narrow passage that blocks manure transit.
Like an obstruction located anywhere in the intestinal tract, rectal impaction is expected to cause colic signs. Unlike other conditions, however, this condition tends to cause a horse to strain when passing manure.
Rectal impactions are very rare in adult horses, but meconium (first manure) obstructions of the rectum are common in foals.
Rectal impactions in adults may be caused by viral infection or parasite damage to rectal function. Rarely, horses that eat very coarse hays or feeds may develop rectal impaction. Rectal trauma and subsequent scarring can result in a narrow passage that blocks manure transit.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Prognosis depends on the reason for the rectal impaction.Horses with rectal impactions must have their rectum emptied manually until normal function returns.
my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Very Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Is there an underlying problem with function of the rectum that has lead to this rectal impaction?
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
