Perirectal abscesses in six horses.
Abstract: Perirectal abscesses were diagnosed retrospectively in 6 horses treated for colic. The abscesses caused colic in the horses by producing an extraluminal obstruction that led to fecal impaction. The abscesses were diagnosed by rectal palpation and aspiration of exudate from the masses and were drained surgically. In horses in which the abscess involved abdominal organs, peritonitis developed.
Publication Date: 1985-09-01 PubMed ID: 4055475
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research discusses the diagnosis and treatment of perirectal abscesses in six horses, that led to colic due to fecal impaction. Surgical drainage was used to treat these abscesses, and any involvement with abdominal organs resulted in peritonitis.
Study Overview
- The study was conducted retrospectively on six horses that were treated for colic, a common digestive disorder in horses.
- Upon examination, the horses were found to have perirectal abscesses. An abscess is a localized collection of pus that typically causes swelling and inflammation around it.
Impact of Perirectal Abscesses
- The perirectal abscesses in these horses led to colic by causing an extraluminal obstruction. This obstruction subsequently led to fecal impaction, a serious condition where the horse is unable to pass manure due to a blockage in the colon.
- The impact of these abscesses therefore cascaded into further complications and discomfort for the horses, necessitating immediate intervention and treatment.
Diagnosis of Abscesses
- The abscesses were diagnosed via rectal palpation. This is a procedure where a vet uses a lubricated, gloved hand to feel for abnormalities in the horse’s rectum.
- Aspiration of exudate from the masses was also carried out. ‘Exudate’ refers to the fluid emitted by an abscess, and ‘aspiration’ is the process of drawing out this fluid, often using a syringe. This not only helps confirm the diagnosis, but also provides relief to the horse.
Interventions and Treatment
- The main form of treatment for these abscesses was surgical drainage. This involves creating an incision in the abscess to allow the pus to be released, relieving pressure and promoting healing.
- In cases where the abscess involved abdominal organs, peritonitis developed. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs. This further escalated the complexity of the cases, requiring additional treatment measures for the horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Sanders-Shamis M.
(1985).
Perirectal abscesses in six horses.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 187(5), 499-500.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Abscess / diagnosis
- Abscess / surgery
- Abscess / veterinary
- Animals
- Colic / diagnosis
- Colic / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Rectal Diseases / diagnosis
- Rectal Diseases / surgery
- Rectal Diseases / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Squinas SC, Britton AP. An unusual case of urinary retention and ulcerative cystitis in a horse, sequelae of pelvic abscessation, and adhesions. Can Vet J 2013 Jul;54(7):690-2.
- Torkelson J. Perirectal abscess, colic, and dyschezia in a horse. Can Vet J 2002 Feb;43(2):127-8.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
