Rectal examinations for horses are diagnostic procedures used by veterinarians to assess the health of the animal's internal organs, particularly those within the abdominal and pelvic cavities. This procedure involves the insertion of a gloved hand into the horse's rectum to palpate structures such as the gastrointestinal tract, reproductive organs, and urinary system. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as colic, reproductive issues, and gastrointestinal obstructions. The technique requires skill and care to minimize discomfort and prevent injury to both the horse and the examiner. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodology, applications, and safety considerations of rectal examinations in equine practice.
Reed RA, Berghaus LJ, Reynolds RM, Holmes BT, Krikorian AM, Sakai DM, Ishikawa Y, Knych HK.Understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of fentanyl in horses is crucial for optimizing pain management strategies in veterinary medicine. Unassigned: Six adult horses were enrolled in a randomized crossover design. Treatments included: placebo, two 100 mcg/h patches (LDF), four 100 mcg/h patches (MDF), and six 100 mcg/h patches (HDF). Patches were in place for 72 h. Blood was obtained for fentanyl plasma concentration determination, thermal threshold, mechanical threshold, heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were obtained prior patch placement and at m...
Fedorka CE, Schnobrich MR, Muderspach ND, Scoggin KE, Dedman MT, Weigle KE, May MG, Twist H, Linse CR, Douglas RH, Troedsson MHT.Equine embryonic loss following the development of endometrial cups delays return to cyclicity due to the production of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Natural degradation of endometrial cups coincides with an influx of immune cells at 100-120 days of gestation, but therapeutic stimulation of reduced eCG production has been relatively unsuccessful. Recently, we observed an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production following the use of the immunostimulant mycobacterium cell wall fraction (MCWF). Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of hysteroscopic-guided injection of MCWF on the a...
Zobrist CN, Bishop RC, McCoy AM.To assess the repeatability of infrared thermometer temperature readings and evaluate the correlation between digital rectal temperature and infrared thermometer temperatures taken at different locations in healthy afebrile horses. Methods: 101 afebrile horses ≥ 1 year old. Methods: Digital rectal temperatures and infrared temperatures from the eye, gingiva, neck, axilla, and perineum were obtained in a climate-controlled environment and at 2 outdoor ambient temperatures (study period, November 1, 2021, to April 30, 2023). Results: Infrared temperature measurements were well tolerated by hor...
Vullo C, Gugliandolo E, Biondi V, Biffarella M, Catone G, Tambella AM.The aim of this study was to determine the most appropriate sedation protocol for a standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination in horses, comparing continuous rate infusions (CRIs) of detomidine and romifidine combined with a single bolus of morphine. Sixteen horses referred for standing low-field open-magnet MRI were randomly assigned to one of two sedation protocols. The horses were premedicated with 0.03 mg/kg of intramuscular acepromazine, and those animals belonging to Group D received an intravenous (IV) loading dose of detomidine (0.01 mg/kg) 30 min later, while those of Grou...
Kieffer PJ, Williams JM, Shepard MK, Giguère S, Epstein KL.Horses undergoing abdominal exploratory surgery are at risk of hypotension and hypoperfusion. Normal mean arterial pressure is used as a surrogate for adequate tissue perfusion. However, measures of systemic circulation may not be reflective of microcirculation. This study measured the mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, lactate, and four microcirculatory indices in six healthy, anesthetized adult horses undergoing elective laparotomies. The microcirculatory parameters were measured at three different sites along the gastrointestinal tract (oral mucosa, colonic serosa, and rectal mucosa) wi...
Munsters C, Siegers E, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan M.To optimise the performance and welfare of horses during equestrian competitions in hot climates, it is advised to acclimate them to the heat. The effects of training in a heated indoor arena were studied. Four Olympic horses (13.3 ± 2.2 years; three eventers, one para-dressage horse) were trained for 14 consecutive days in a heated indoor arena (32 ± 1 °C; 50-60% humidity) following their normal training schedule in preparation for the Tokyo Olympic games. Standardised exercise tests (SETs) were performed on Day 1 and Day 14, measuring heart rate (HR; bpm), plasma lactate concentration (LA...
Scilimati N, Cerullo A, Nannarone S, Gialletti R, Giusto G, Bertoletti A.Small colon impaction can result in accumulation of ingesta, gas, and fluid orally to the impaction site in horses. Large colon tympany, which is caused by ingesta fermentation, can be a predisposing factor for intestinal displacement. The aim of this study is to report the history, clinical, and surgical findings of horses and ponies referred for abdominal pain not responsive to drugs where a right dorsal displacement (RDD) or large colon volvulus (LCV), together with a small colon faecalith (SCF), were diagnosed during surgery. This study included a total of five horses and five ponies. Base...
Haardt H, Romero AE, Boysen SR, Tan JY.Abdominal ultrasonography is valuable in the diagnosis of equine colic. Fast localized abdominal sonography of horses (FLASH) enables practitioners with limited experience to perform ultrasonography in emergency settings. However, many practitioners only possess rectal format linear array transducers (RFLT). The hypotheses are: (a) A low frequency curvilinear transducer (LFCT) and RFLT will detect free abdominal fluid and abnormal small intestinal loops with similar frequency during FLASH, and (b) there will be a difference between the transducers for detection of gastric abnormalities and nep...
Pereira GF, Fenelon ACG, Horr M, Nogueira GM, Delfiol DJZ.The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid has diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value in neurological illnesses in horses. There are different methods for obtaining cerebrospinal fluid, with the collection between the C1 and C2 vertebrae being a more recent methodology, which allows the procedure to be performed in standing patients, without the limitations of general anesthesia and with a low contamination of the sample with blood, presenting itself as a practical alternative. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a local dural blockade in healthy horses submitted to cerebrospinal f...
Lampang KN, Isawirodom A, Rungsri P.Body temperature is a vital sign that determines physical status. Infrared thermography (IRT) is more frequently used for assessing horses' temperature because of its ease of use and less contact with the horses, making it a safer measurement method. However, the accuracy of IRT remains unclear; therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential use of IRT as an alternative method for measuring horse body temperature. Unassigned: Temperatures were measured in 14 horses. A digital thermometer was used to collect rectal temperature (RT), whereas a thermographic camera was used for IRT at three ...
Tommasa SD, Roth SP, Triebe T, Brehm W, Lohmann KL, Stöckle SD.Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common ovarian tumors in mares. The classical presentation of a GCT is a unilaterally enlarged ovary appearing as a multicystic honeycomb mass. In rare cases, GCTs cause hemoperitoneum as a result of the rapid growth of the tumor. The clinical diagnosis of GCT is usually based on history, rectal examination, ultrasonographic examination, and serum hormone analysis, and surgical removal of the affected ovary is the treatment of choice. The different surgical approaches are based on the dimension of the GCT. A 7-year-old mare was referred to the departme...
Malaluang P, Åkerholm T, Nyman G, Lindahl J, Hansson I, Morrell JM.An understanding of the normal bacterial microbiota of any organ is essential to provide the background to conditions and interventions that might cause the microbiota to change. In the vagina of the mare, a change of bacterial microbiota could be induced by introduction of semen, treatment with antibiotics, discharge from an unhealthy uterus etc. Previous studies on equine vaginal bacteria are not all conducted in the same way and results are not altogether consistent. Therefore, this study was designed to provide a deeper understanding of the bacterial microbiota of the mare vagina, and poss...
Kamm JL.To describe the repair utilizing integral-anchor barbed suture in equine rectal tears. Methods: 3 horses aged 3 to 10 years old with grade 3 to 4 rectal tears. Methods: Grade 3 and 4 rectal tears were referred for surgical repair immediately after iatrogenic tearing or tearing during parturition. Integral-anchor barbed suture (Stratafix Symmetric PDS Plus, size 1, 18" CT-1) was placed using long-handled instruments or hand closure depending on the accessibility and visibility of the tear. Closure of grade 3 tears was performed using a continuous appositional pattern. A horizontal mattress patt...
Taylor SN, Colbath AC, Manfredi JM, Yob CJ, Muñoz KA.To investigate the effect of isoflurane anesthesia on thermoregulation and peripheral heat loss in dorsally recumbent horses. Methods: Prospective, clinical study. Methods: Seven adult horses (2.6 ± 1.5 years old, 455 ± 70.2 kg). Methods: Horses underwent elective surgical procedures in dorsal recumbency under general anesthesia (GA) maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Rectal (TR), intranasal (TN) and fetlock surface temperatures (TF) were measured every 10 minutes for the first 80 minutes following induction of GA. Room temperature (TRO) was monitored during the study. Statistical analysi...
Abu-Seida AM, Shamaa AA.This case report records an obstructive urolithiasis due to a large calcium carbonate urethral stone in an 11-year-old Arabian stallion. The stallion had colicky pain, anuria, and reduction in food and water intakes. Palpation of the penis revealed rhythmic contractions of the urethra, a hard mass in the penile urethra at the level of the ischial arch, and a dilated urethra proximal to the mass. Rectal examination revealed a distended and turgid urinary bladder. Passing a urethral catheter revealed a complete urethral obstruction at the level of the ischial arch. Ultrasonography revealed a cal...
Lopp CT, McCoy AM, Boothe D, Schaeffer DJ, Lascola K.To characterize the pharmacokinetics of a clinically relevant dose of misoprostol administered PO or per rectum (PR) to horses. Methods: 8 healthy adult horses. Methods: In a randomized 3-way crossover design, horses received a single dose of misoprostol (5 μg/kg) administered PO (with horses fed and unfed) and PR, with a minimum 3-week washout period separating the experimental conditions. Blood samples were obtained before and at various points after drug administration (total, 24 hours), and plasma concentrations of misoprostol free acid were measured. Results: Mean maximum plasma concentr...
Ellis KE, Council-Troche RM, Von Dollen KA, Beachler TM, Bailey CS, Davis JL, Lyle SK.Hospitalized pregnant mares being held nil per os (PO) because of medical or surgical events present a dilemma for pregnancy maintenance therapy, which commonly includes oral altrenogest. Rectal administration of medications is a recognized route for achieving systemic concentrations, but there are no data on the pharmacokinetics of rectal altrenogest administration in horses. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of altrenogest following PO or per rectum (PR) administration in mares. Using a randomized two-way crossover study design, six horses received altrenogest (...
Stein F, Gilliam L, Davis J, Taylor J.In a randomized crossover design study, 10 adult horses were administered crushed metronidazole tablets rectally at 20 mg/kg. Horses' rectums were either evacuated (E) or not evacuated (NE) of manure prior to the administration of the drug. Serum samples were taken over 24 hr and plasma concentrations were determined via high pressure liquid chromatography. At 15 min post-administration, group E had a significantly higher plasma concentration (p = 0.027), but there were no concentration differences at any other time points. There was large variability in relative bioavailability in the NE...
Kieffer PJ, Williams JM, Shepard MK, Giguère S, Epstein KL.The objectives of the study were to: i) determine baseline microvascular perfusion indices (MPI) and assess their repeatability in healthy horses under general anesthesia, and ii) compare the MPIs of 3 microvascular beds (oral mucosa, colonic serosa, and rectal mucosa). Healthy adult horses were anesthetized and sidestream dark field microscopy was used to collect video loops of the oral mucosa, rectal mucosa, and colonic serosa under normotensive conditions without cardiovascular support drugs; videos were later analyzed to produce MPIs. Baseline MPI values were determined for each site, whic...
Nemoto M, Oue Y, Higuchi T, Kinoshita Y, Bannai H, Tsujimura K, Yamanaka T, Kondo T.Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is considered to be a diarrheic pathogen in foals. In central Kentucky in the United States, it has been shown that approximately 30 % of thoroughbred foals are infected with ECoV and thus it is considered widely prevalent. In contrast, the epidemiology of ECoV and its relationship to diarrhea in foals are poorly understood in Japan. We investigated ECoV in rectal swabs collected from thoroughbred foals in Japan. Results: We collected 337 rectal swabs from 307 diarrheic foals in the Hidaka district of Hokkaido, the largest thoroughbred horse breeding region in Japan, ...
Scharner D, Bankert J, Brehm W.The examination of patients suffering from an acute abdomen routinely comprises both clinical and rectal examinations, and is ever more frequently accompanied by an ultrasonographic abdominal examination. The aim of the study was to compare the findings as defined through rectal examination with the results of the ultrasonographic examination for different forms of colic. Methods: In a retrospective study, the patient records of the Large Animal Clinic of the University of Leipzig from 2012 and 2013 were analysed, and those of horses suffering from colic were included. Diagnoses made through r...
Walmsley E, Steel C, Haines G, Lumsden J, O'Sullivan C.The incidence of colic following swimming exercise (SC) in a racehorse population examined over 3 years was 0.08%. Following 167,977 swims, 136 cases were reported. Colic resolved spontaneously in 2 horses, medically in 129 or surgically in 5. In a separate study, 21 horses were subject to exploratory laparotomy for SC. Findings included non-strangulating displacements in 7 horses, strangulating displacements in 7, a combination of non-strangulating and strangulating displacements in 1, prominent gaseous intestinal distension in 5 and no abnormalities in 1 horse. A poor response to analgesia p...
Fransson BA.This article reviews the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of rectal perforation and rectocutaneous fistula in small animals. In addition, the literature regarding use of enterostomy in small animals is reviewed and comparative aspects of this procedure in humans and horses are presented. A case report of rectal perforation leading to rectocutaneous fistula formation and the use of colostomy in the management of the case is presented.
Kay AT, Spirito MA, Rodgerson DH, Brown SE.To describe a surgical technique for repair of grade IV rectal tears after parturition in mares and to report outcome. Methods: Clinical report. Methods: Horses (n=6) with grade IV rectal tears. Methods: Mares were sedated and restrained in standing stocks. After caudal anesthesia and evacuation of feces from the rectum, the perineal region was aseptically prepared. Four stay sutures were placed through the external anal sphincter before vertical transection (12 o'clock). Caudal retraction of the tear was performed using Allis tissue forceps (5 mares) or stay sutures before accurate apposition...
Hemberg E, Lundeheim N, Einarsson S.To minimize the number of matings/inseminations, controlled ovulation has been practised since a long time ago. A potent short-term implant, releasing the GnRH analogue deslorelin (Ovuplant((R))) has been used in Australia and North America for several years for hastening the ovulation time in mares, but the product is not registered on the European market. This study was aimed to investigate: (1) ovulation time in mares implanted with Ovuplant when the largest follicle was 42 mm or more in size, (2) repeatability of ovulation time in successive oestruses when treated with Ovuplant, (3) pregna...
Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, Boerma S, van der Velden MA.Rectal tears are a relatively rare complication of rectal palpation, mating, or dystocia, and idiopathic rectal perforation is an incidental finding. Rectal tears can be classified according to a 3 or a 4-grade system. This article describes medical and surgical treatment for rectal tears.
Broome TA, Brown MP, Gronwall RR, Casey MF, Meritt KA.Six healthy adult horses (5 mares and 1 stallion) were given a single dose of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), 20 mg/kg of body weight, by intravenous (IV), rectal, and intragastric (IG) routes. Serial blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture over a 36-h period, and plasma ASA and salicylic acid (SA) concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. After IV administration, the mean elimination rate constant of ASA (+/- the standard error of the mean) was 1.32 +/- 0.09 h(-1), the mean elimination half-life was 0.53 +/- 0.04 h, the area under the plasma concentra...
Skarda RT, Muir WW.To compare effects of electroacupuncture and butorphanol on hemodynamic and respiratory variables and rectal analgesia in mares after controlled rectal distention. Methods: 8 healthy mares. Methods: Each horse received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (0.01 mL/kg, IV; control treatment), butorphanol tartrate (0.1 mg/kg, IV), or 2 hours of electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints Bladder 21, 25, and 27 on both sides of the vertebral column, Bai hui, and Stomach 36 (right side only). Order of treatments in each mare was randomized. At least 7 days elapsed between treatments. A balloon was inserted in the...
Torkelson J.A quarter horse gelding with intermittent colic was diagnosed with a perirectal abscess and dyschezia. Rectal ultrasonography identified a multiloculated, fluid-filled mass. A perirectal abscess was diagnosed when the mass ruptured and drained into the rectum. The abscess was treated successfully with warm soapy water enemas and trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.
Juhász J, Nagy P, Kulcsár M, Szigeti G, Reiczigel J, Huszenicza G.The effect of 10-day zearalenone administration starting 10 days after ovulation was studied in 6 cycling trotter mares in the summer period. After an entire oestrous cycle (Cycle 1), mares were given 7 mg purified zearalenone per os daily (1 mg/ml in ethyl alcohol) beginning on Day 10 of Cycle 2. Toxin exposure was continued until the subsequent ovulation. Luteal function and follicular activity were monitored daily by rectal palpation, ultrasonography and blood sampling for progesterone. During toxin exposure, all animals were in good physical condition. The toxin had no effect on the length...
Malaluang P, Åkerholm T, Nyman G, Lindahl J, Hansson I, Morrell JM.An understanding of the normal bacterial microbiota of any organ is essential to provide the background to conditions and interventions that might cause the microbiota to change. In the vagina of the mare, a change of bacterial microbiota could be induced by introduction of semen, treatment with antibiotics, discharge from an unhealthy uterus etc. Previous studies on equine vaginal bacteria are not all conducted in the same way and results are not altogether consistent. Therefore, this study was designed to provide a deeper understanding of the bacterial microbiota of the mare vagina, and poss...
Juhász J, Nagy P, Kulcsár M, Szigeti G, Reiczigel J, Huszenicza G.The effect of 10-day zearalenone administration starting 10 days after ovulation was studied in 6 cycling trotter mares in the summer period. After an entire oestrous cycle (Cycle 1), mares were given 7 mg purified zearalenone per os daily (1 mg/ml in ethyl alcohol) beginning on Day 10 of Cycle 2. Toxin exposure was continued until the subsequent ovulation. Luteal function and follicular activity were monitored daily by rectal palpation, ultrasonography and blood sampling for progesterone. During toxin exposure, all animals were in good physical condition. The toxin had no effect on the length...
Skarda RT, Muir WW.To compare effects of electroacupuncture and butorphanol on hemodynamic and respiratory variables and rectal analgesia in mares after controlled rectal distention. Methods: 8 healthy mares. Methods: Each horse received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (0.01 mL/kg, IV; control treatment), butorphanol tartrate (0.1 mg/kg, IV), or 2 hours of electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints Bladder 21, 25, and 27 on both sides of the vertebral column, Bai hui, and Stomach 36 (right side only). Order of treatments in each mare was randomized. At least 7 days elapsed between treatments. A balloon was inserted in the...
Kieffer PJ, Williams JM, Shepard MK, Giguère S, Epstein KL.The objectives of the study were to: i) determine baseline microvascular perfusion indices (MPI) and assess their repeatability in healthy horses under general anesthesia, and ii) compare the MPIs of 3 microvascular beds (oral mucosa, colonic serosa, and rectal mucosa). Healthy adult horses were anesthetized and sidestream dark field microscopy was used to collect video loops of the oral mucosa, rectal mucosa, and colonic serosa under normotensive conditions without cardiovascular support drugs; videos were later analyzed to produce MPIs. Baseline MPI values were determined for each site, whic...
Broome TA, Brown MP, Gronwall RR, Casey MF, Meritt KA.Six healthy adult horses (5 mares and 1 stallion) were given a single dose of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), 20 mg/kg of body weight, by intravenous (IV), rectal, and intragastric (IG) routes. Serial blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture over a 36-h period, and plasma ASA and salicylic acid (SA) concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. After IV administration, the mean elimination rate constant of ASA (+/- the standard error of the mean) was 1.32 +/- 0.09 h(-1), the mean elimination half-life was 0.53 +/- 0.04 h, the area under the plasma concentra...
Palmer JE, Whitlock RH, Benson CE, Becht JL, Morris DD, Acland HM.Bacteriologic cultures of 65 rectal mucosal samples and 335 fecal samples from 53 horses and 5 cattle shedding Salmonella were performed. Salmonella spp were isolated from 34 (52%) rectal mucosal samples, 21 (32%) concurrent fecal samples, and 150 (45%) total fecal samples. The use of rectal mucosal samples when compared with concurrently obtained fecal samples significantly (P less than 0.025) improved the ability to isolate Salmonella spp. Concurrent bacteriologic culture of rectal mucosal samples and fecal samples resulted in 39 (60%) isolations. Compared with a series of fecal samples, Sal...
Nemoto M, Oue Y, Higuchi T, Kinoshita Y, Bannai H, Tsujimura K, Yamanaka T, Kondo T.Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is considered to be a diarrheic pathogen in foals. In central Kentucky in the United States, it has been shown that approximately 30 % of thoroughbred foals are infected with ECoV and thus it is considered widely prevalent. In contrast, the epidemiology of ECoV and its relationship to diarrhea in foals are poorly understood in Japan. We investigated ECoV in rectal swabs collected from thoroughbred foals in Japan. Results: We collected 337 rectal swabs from 307 diarrheic foals in the Hidaka district of Hokkaido, the largest thoroughbred horse breeding region in Japan, ...
Koskinen E, Kuntsi H, Lindeberg H, Katila T.Follicular growth and hormone determinations were used to predict ovulation in the mare. Thirty Finnhorse mares were used for the investigation and 38 oestrous cycles were studied. The mares were examined by rectal palpation and ultrasonography every 6 hours during late oestrus. Daily blood samples were obtained for progesterone and oestrone sulphate determination. The preovulatory follicle grew 3 mm a day up to 2 days before ovulation. The size then remained constant, before diminishing by 2-3 mm during the last 12 hours. The maximal diameter of the follicle was 43 +/- 4 mm. In 89% of the fol...
Koskinen E.In a previous study, times from parturition to the first ovulation were followed in 55 Finnhorse mares on the basis of milk progesterone determinations. Ninety-six per cent of mares had ovulated by day 20 post-partum. If intervals of more than 19 days are excluded from the data, the time from parturition to 1st ovulation was 117 days. However, in cases of foaling before and after the beginning of June the times were 13.0 days and 8.8 days, respectively (p less than 0.001). Long intervals (over 16 days) occurred mainly before 1st May (in 6 out of 7 cases). In a 2nd study, 25 post-partum Finnhor...
Koskinen E, Lindeberg H, Kuntsi H, Katila T.Twenty-four Finnhorse mares were examined by rectal palpation and ultrasonography every 6 h during late oestrus to determine the time of ovulation. Milk and serum samples were collected every 6 h after the detected ovulation for progesterone analysis. The progesterone rises took place within 0-54 h and 0-60 h after ovulation, in milk and serum, respectively. Statistically significant differences (p less than 0.05) in progesterone levels were observed for the first time 12-18 h and 18-24 h after ovulation, in serum and milk, respectively, as compared to progesterone levels 0-6 h after ovulation...
Steinman A, Gips M, Lavy E, Sinay I, Soback S.Metronidazole pharmacokinetics in horses was studied after intravenous (i.v.), rectal (p.r.) and oral (p.o.) administration at 20 mg/kg using a triple crossover study design. Metronidazole mean+/-SD half-life was 196+/-39, 212+/-30 and 240+/-65 min after i.v., p.r. and p.o. administration, respectively. The metronidazole clearance was 2.8 (mL/min/kg) and the volume of distribution at steady state was 0.68 L/kg. The pharmacokinetic parameters calculated for metronidazole after administration of the drug by the various routes showed that bioavailability (74+/-18 vs. 30+/-9%) and maximum serum co...
Weaver AD.The case records of 13 horses with acquired incarcerated inguinal hernia in January-August 1983, were reviewed. Nine cases were in stallions. The remaining four involved eventration 5-48 hours following castration. Ages ranged from 1-17 years. Horses showed a variable degree of colic. Bowel was felt to pass through the internal inguinal ring on rectal examination in most cases. The physical features of the scrotum varied considerably. Resection of ischemic jejunum and/or ileum was necessary in three horses. Two horses were euthanized at surgery (one with bilateral ischemic jejunum, one with bo...
Meinert C, Silva JF, Kroetz I, Klug E, Trigg TE, Hoppen HO, Jöchle W.A small, biocompatible and short-term implant releasing 1.5 mg or 2.25 mg of the GnRH analogue deslorelin was evaluated in 140 Hanoverian (warm blooded) mares during the 1990 breeding season (Study I). Mares in oestrus and with a follicle 40 +/- 2 mm in diameter were assigned alternately to treatment (70) or remained as untreated controls. Implants were administered subcutaneously, and intervals to ovulation determined by rectal examination and ultrasound at 12-h intervals. Since results with both doses of deslorelin were similar, data were pooled. Deslorelin implantation resulted in ovulation...
Walmsley E, Steel C, Haines G, Lumsden J, O'Sullivan C.The incidence of colic following swimming exercise (SC) in a racehorse population examined over 3 years was 0.08%. Following 167,977 swims, 136 cases were reported. Colic resolved spontaneously in 2 horses, medically in 129 or surgically in 5. In a separate study, 21 horses were subject to exploratory laparotomy for SC. Findings included non-strangulating displacements in 7 horses, strangulating displacements in 7, a combination of non-strangulating and strangulating displacements in 1, prominent gaseous intestinal distension in 5 and no abnormalities in 1 horse. A poor response to analgesia p...
Ellis KE, Council-Troche RM, Von Dollen KA, Beachler TM, Bailey CS, Davis JL, Lyle SK.Hospitalized pregnant mares being held nil per os (PO) because of medical or surgical events present a dilemma for pregnancy maintenance therapy, which commonly includes oral altrenogest. Rectal administration of medications is a recognized route for achieving systemic concentrations, but there are no data on the pharmacokinetics of rectal altrenogest administration in horses. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of altrenogest following PO or per rectum (PR) administration in mares. Using a randomized two-way crossover study design, six horses received altrenogest (...
Michel TH, Rossdale PD, Cash RS.Plasma progesterone levels were measured daily to determine the accuracy of diagnosing ovulation by rectal palpation carried out every other day; 81.5 per cent mares injected with human chorionic gonadotrophin showed increases of progesterone more than 1 ng/ml by 72 h after injection compared with 65 per cent of mares injected with gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) or saline. Mating at ovulation achieved a 74 per cent pregnancy rate in mares given hCG compared with 50 per cent given GnRH and 45 per cent controls. Diagnosis of ovulation per rectum on the basis of a pit in the ovarian surfa...
Hemberg E, Lundeheim N, Einarsson S.To minimize the number of matings/inseminations, controlled ovulation has been practised since a long time ago. A potent short-term implant, releasing the GnRH analogue deslorelin (Ovuplant((R))) has been used in Australia and North America for several years for hastening the ovulation time in mares, but the product is not registered on the European market. This study was aimed to investigate: (1) ovulation time in mares implanted with Ovuplant when the largest follicle was 42 mm or more in size, (2) repeatability of ovulation time in successive oestruses when treated with Ovuplant, (3) pregna...
Merritt AM, Cimprich RE, Beech J.Granulomatous enteritis was diagnosed in 9 horses between 1 and 11 years of age. The complaint in all cases was persistent weight loss. Four of the horses had chronic diarrhea. Two consistent diagnostic features were hypoalbuminemia and decreased phagocytic activity of mesothelial cells in the peritoneal fluid. In 2 cases the diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy of the rectal mucosa. Remaining cases were definitively diagnosed by exploratory laparotomy and biopsy or at necropsy.
Guglick MA, MacAllister CG, Ewing PJ, Confer AW.A 12-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was admitted to the veterinary medical teaching hospital with a 2-day history of signs of abdominal pain. Initial findings on physical examination included signs of lethargy, dehydration, diarrhea, and gastric reflux. Results of laboratory testing indicated that the horse had panleukopenia with neutrophilic toxic changes, was dehydrated, and was hypocalcemic. During the first 48 hours of hospitalization, 1 abdominal palpation per rectum and 3 analyses of peritoneal fluid were performed; abnormalities were not detected. A preliminary diagnosis of enterocoliti...
Glade MJ.Twelve adult horses were fed a corn-oats-timothy hay diet containing 2.87% nitrogen (N) for 4 wk and were then killed. Fresh digesta samples were immediately harvested from the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, large colon, small colon, rectum and feces. Total N content of the digesta (on a dry matter basis) increased from the stomach (2.74%) to the duodenum (5.58%; P less than .01), decreased in the cecum (3.10%, P less than .01), remained constant through the large intestine and decreased in the feces (2.10%; P less than .01). High-speed centrifugation of wet digesta and low-speed ce...
Munsters C, Siegers E, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan M.To optimise the performance and welfare of horses during equestrian competitions in hot climates, it is advised to acclimate them to the heat. The effects of training in a heated indoor arena were studied. Four Olympic horses (13.3 ± 2.2 years; three eventers, one para-dressage horse) were trained for 14 consecutive days in a heated indoor arena (32 ± 1 °C; 50-60% humidity) following their normal training schedule in preparation for the Tokyo Olympic games. Standardised exercise tests (SETs) were performed on Day 1 and Day 14, measuring heart rate (HR; bpm), plasma lactate concentration (LA...
Turner TA, Fessler JF.Eleven horses with rectal prolapses were examined at Purdue University. Nine of the 11 prolapses were corrected by submucosal resection. Four of those were treated by a modified submucosal resection that apposes mucosa as well as submucosa. Follow-up of 8 cases, at intervals ranging from 4 months to 6 years, established that rectal prolapse did not recur following the resection.
Kay AT, Spirito MA, Rodgerson DH, Brown SE.To describe a surgical technique for repair of grade IV rectal tears after parturition in mares and to report outcome. Methods: Clinical report. Methods: Horses (n=6) with grade IV rectal tears. Methods: Mares were sedated and restrained in standing stocks. After caudal anesthesia and evacuation of feces from the rectum, the perineal region was aseptically prepared. Four stay sutures were placed through the external anal sphincter before vertical transection (12 o'clock). Caudal retraction of the tear was performed using Allis tissue forceps (5 mares) or stay sutures before accurate apposition...
Fransson BA.This article reviews the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of rectal perforation and rectocutaneous fistula in small animals. In addition, the literature regarding use of enterostomy in small animals is reviewed and comparative aspects of this procedure in humans and horses are presented. A case report of rectal perforation leading to rectocutaneous fistula formation and the use of colostomy in the management of the case is presented.
Stewart RH, Robertson JT.A grade-4 rectal tear in a mare was successfully repaired per rectum, using a surgical stapling device. The mare had only minor postoperative complications. This technique has some advantages over previously described procedures, but should be reserved for use in selected cases.
Abu-Seida AM, Shamaa AA.This case report records an obstructive urolithiasis due to a large calcium carbonate urethral stone in an 11-year-old Arabian stallion. The stallion had colicky pain, anuria, and reduction in food and water intakes. Palpation of the penis revealed rhythmic contractions of the urethra, a hard mass in the penile urethra at the level of the ischial arch, and a dilated urethra proximal to the mass. Rectal examination revealed a distended and turgid urinary bladder. Passing a urethral catheter revealed a complete urethral obstruction at the level of the ischial arch. Ultrasonography revealed a cal...
Torkelson J.A quarter horse gelding with intermittent colic was diagnosed with a perirectal abscess and dyschezia. Rectal ultrasonography identified a multiloculated, fluid-filled mass. A perirectal abscess was diagnosed when the mass ruptured and drained into the rectum. The abscess was treated successfully with warm soapy water enemas and trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.
Slone DE, Humburg JM, Jagar JE, Powers RD.Rectal tears were detected in three horses treated for colic. Based on historical, clinical, and postmortem findings, the tears could not be attributed to the attending veterinarian and were therefore not iatrogenic (physician induced). One tear was attributable to an infarction that presumably resulted from thromboembolism; 1 tear occurred without any evidence of external cause and resulted in such severe peritonitis that the cause and resulted in such severe peritonitis that the cause could not be determined, and 1 tear occurred during rectal palpation by the owner, before he called the vete...