Rectal Prolapse in Animals

Questions and Answers

Chronic constipation caused by a low-fiber diet

Anal sac infection with fecal incontinence

Prostatic hypertrophy due to sex-hormone imbalance (correct)

Weakened pelvic diaphragm due to chronic straining

Tenesmus

Retroflexion of the bladder

Fecal incontinence (correct)

Perineal hernia

To treat the underlying hormonal imbalance

To reduce the incidence of fecal incontinence

To clean the sac with antiseptic (correct)

To soften the ceruminolytic agent

Lateral to the anus, between the external anal sphincter and coccygeus muscle Signup and view all the answers

Perineal swelling ventrolateral to the anus Signup and view all the answers

Scar formation in the external anal sphincter Signup and view all the answers

Hormonal imbalance Signup and view all the answers

Soft and fluctuant Signup and view all the answers

Constipation with obstipation Signup and view all the answers

Surgical excision of the sac Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ulceration, inflammation, and congestion of the rectal mucosa are common
Early stages: short, non-ulcerated, inflamed segment; later stages: darkened, congested, and necrotic mucosal surface
Treatment:
- Identify and eliminate the cause
- Replace prolapsed tissue to its proper anatomic location or amputate if necrotic
- Use hypertonic sugar solution to relieve edema and ease reduction
- Place a loose anal purse-string suture for 5-7 days
- Recommend moistened diet and fecal softener postoperatively

A separation, rent, or tear in the rectal or anal mucosa
Caused by laceration inflicted within the lumen (e.g., foreign bodies, sharp bones, needles, and other rough material)
Clinical findings and diagnosis:
- Constipation and reluctance to defecate due to pain
- Tenesmus and hemorrhage
- Perineal discoloration and inspection of the rectum and anus
- Fresh blood found on a glove or on feces after rectal examination
Treatment:
- Initiate immediately in all species
- Accidental perforation during rectal examination necessitates immediate treatment to reduce risk of peritonitis and death

A lateral protrusion of a peritoneally lined hernial sac between the levator ani and either the external anal sphincter muscle or the coccygeus muscle
Incidence: intact 6- to 8-yr old male dogs
Etiology and pathogenesis:
- Breed predisposition
- Hormonal imbalance
- Prostatic disease
- Chronic constipation
- Weakness of the pelvic diaphragm due to chronic straining
- Hormonal influences (estrogens and androgens)
Clinical findings and diagnosis:
- Constipation and obstipation
- Tenesmus and dyschezia
- Stranguria may occur secondary to retroflexion of the bladder and prostate
- Perineal swelling ventrolateral to the anus
- Herniation may be bilateral, but two-thirds are unilateral and >80% of these are on the right side