Rectal Prolapse Associated with Constipation in a Curly Colt (Case Report)

Abstract

Rectal prolapsed-procidentia, is a bulging of all layers of the rectal wall through the anal channel to the external environment. It was first described in Ebers Papyrus as early as 1500 BC Cech et al., (2010), it occurs when support and fixation mechanisms (fascia, muscles, ligaments) are overcome by pressure (straining caused by constipation, diarrhoea, coughing) or the support tissues are weakened (fat or tumour infiltration, genetics, certain drugs or oedema due to mycotoxins, particularly zearalenone) (Smith and Straw 2006; Osweiler 2006). Prolapse of rectum occurs commonly in pigs, occasionally occur in cattle, and rarely seen in other species (Rodostits et al., 2000). In the horse it is usually due to straining from diarrhea, dystocia, intestinal parasitism, colic, prostatitis, and rectal foreign body (Rick, 1989). A cause is not identified in many cases. In rare cases, the prolapse is caused by a well-defined rectal tumor. Any sex group can be affected, but the condition is more common in females than males (Turner, 1980).

Rectal prolapse are classified according to the structures involved. In type I rectal prolapse, only the mucosa of rectum projects through the anus, sometimes more on one side than the other (David and Benson, 1992). A type II lesion is a complete prolapse of all or part of the rectal ampulla (david and Benson, 1992). Type I and II prolapse are the most common (Turner, 1980). In a type III prolapse, a variable portion of colon intussuscepts into the rectum in addition to type II prolapse being present (David and Benson, 1992). In type IV prolapse, the peritoneal rectum and variable length of colon intussuscepts. This type of prolapse is seen after dystocia in mare (Rick, 1989). A rectal prolapse can be diagnosed and classified by inspection (David and Benson, 1992). An elongated, cylindrical mass protruding through the anal orifice is usually diagnostic. However, it must be differentiated from prolapsed ileo-ceco colic intussusceptions by passing a probe, blunt instrument, or finger between the prolapsed mass and the inner rectal wall. In rectal prolapse, the instrument cannot be inserted due to the presence of a fornix Cynthia, (2005), this is very important in differentiating rectal prolapse and ileo-ceco colic intussusceptions.