[The problem with the occurrence of so-called spontaneous ruptures of the rectum in horses. 2: Forensic evaluation]

In the ampulla roof of the wave-like extending horse rectum the muscular coat is only weakly developed as a deltoid-shaped tunica muscularis area, thus forming a place of minor resistance. With regard to the degree of development of the muscular coat a rectal ampulla with a stable form and strong muscles can be distinguished from an ampulla with a labile form and weak muscles. The rupture of the intestinal wall in this region in the case of rupture-experiments as well as the frequent occurrence of diverticula reveals this area as being a place of minor resistance which requires extreme caution during rectal examination. The forensic judgement of a rectal perforation has to be based on detailed pathoanatomical investigations. If the rules of veterinary art had been neglected, the proof of blamelessness for the investigator is being out of consideration. If all rules of veterinary art, however, had fully been observed during rectal exploration, the proof of blamelessness for the investigator is very difficult to be obtained, when a perforation or a rupture has resulted. Only if the rupture is located in the dorsal part of the rectum, there exists the possibility, that it is a spontaneous one, if anatomical conditions, thickness of the muscular coat or the presence of diverticula do support this.