Thrombosis resulting in rectal perforation in a horse.

This research article explores the case of a 12-year-old quarter horse that was admitted to a veterinary hospital with abdominal pain, dehydration and diarrhea among other signs. After initial tests pointed towards enterocolitis, the horse’s condition worsened, developing a left jugular thrombosis. It was later found dead. Post-mortem results revealed thrombosis had caused peritonitis, rectal infarction and perforation, revealing ischemic vascular disease as a potential cause rather than an iatrogenic effect.

Investigation and Diagnostic Procedures

• The horse was admitted to a veterinary hospital after showing signs of abdominal discomfort for two days. These signs included inactivity, dehydration, diarrhea, and gastric reflux.
• During its 48-hour stay at the hospital, the horse underwent abdominal palpations and three analyses of peritoneal fluid. However, these tests did not detect any abnormalities.
• Laboratory results pointed towards panleukopenia, dehydration and hypocalcemia in the horse.
• Salmonella Anatum was found in the horse’s feces, resulting in a preliminary diagnosis of enterocolitis.

Progression of Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Over a five-day period, the horse’s health appeared to improve. However, it developed a left jugular thrombosis.
• On the eighth day of its stay at the hospital, the horse was found dead.
• Upon necropsy, acute severe fibrinous peritonitis was revealed, resulting from the vasculitis and thrombosis of the caudal mesenteric artery and its cranial rectal branch. This resulted in rectal infarction and perforation.
• Such findings suggest that the initial attribution of rectal tears and perforation to iatrogenic causes should be reconsidered. Instead, ischemic vascular disease should be considered.

Implications of the Study

• The research suggests that in horses, thromboembolic disorders could increase the risk of rectal perforations.
• The study emphasizes the importance of considering ischemic vascular diseases as potential underlying causes for rectal perforations, instead of immediately classifying them as iatrogenic effects.