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Rectal packing as initial management of grade 3 rectal tears
A N Baird1, T S Taylor, J P Watkins
1Texas Veterinary Medical Center, Texas A & M University, Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, College Station 77843-4475, USA.
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Rectal packing in horses effectively prevented fecal contamination and tear progression in a study of rectal injuries. This simple intervention significantly improved outcomes for horses with grade 3 rectal tears.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Equine Medicine
- Gastrointestinal Pathology
Background:
- Rectal tears are a serious complication in horses, often leading to severe contamination.
- Management of rectal tears can be challenging, with potential for secondary complications like diverticula formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of rectal packing in preventing fecal contamination and tear progression in horses with induced grade 3 rectal tears.
- To assess the impact of packing on the development of secondary complications.
Main Methods:
- Grade 3 rectal tears were surgically created in 14 horses.
- Horses received epidural anesthesia for 8 hours post-injury.
- Seven horses were treated with cotton-filled stockinette rectal packing; seven served as controls.
Main Results:
- Horses with rectal packing showed no gross fecal contamination or tear progression.
- Control horses without packing developed fecal contamination and mesorectal diverticula.
- Packing successfully prevented the formation of fecal-filled diverticula.
Conclusions:
- Cotton-filled stockinette rectal packing is an effective method for managing grade 3 rectal tears in horses.
- This technique prevents fecal contamination and subsequent complications, improving treatment outcomes.