Rectal tears continue to be a common complication of rectal exams. Historically rectal tears were said to have a poor prognosis and treatment not advised. Recent work suggests this is not true in many cases. This paper is about identification, treatment, and prognoses of rectal tears in horses.

Rectal tears are usually a complication of rectal exams. The first sign of a problem is blood on the sleeve when withdrawn. Though this may only be due to mucosal irritation whenever this occurs a second exam should be conducted to identify whether a rectal tear exists or not. These exams are more diagnostic if performed with a bare hand and with lots of lubrication. At this time an estimate on the severity is made and the tear graded:

• Grade 1 tear involves just mucosa
• Grade 3 tears involve the mucosa and muscular layers and are further sub classified into:
  • 3a if only serosa is left intact
  • 3b if they occur dorsally into the mesorectum
• Grade 4 tears are full thickness

In grade 2 tears only the muscular layer only is disrupted and therefore go undiagnosed at the time they occur. They are believed to be the cause of rectal abscesses.