Equine Health: Bleeding From the Rectum

Rectal bleeding should be treated as an emergency.

A horse that is bleeding from the rectum needs prompt care from a veterinarian in order to begin treatment and reduce the chance of infection. Rectal bleeding has several causes and is a very serious health concern.

Trauma

A horse's rectum could bleed due to some type of trauma; for example, improper use of a rectal thermometer or forceful penetration.

Illness

Certain illnesses may cause rectal bleeding due to hemorrhaging. According to Dr. Michael Ball, DVM, a condition called DIC causes abnormal blood coagulation and some horses experience rectal bleeding as a result.

Tearing

Bleeding from rectal tears could occur as a result of foaling or rectal palpation exams.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the rectal bleeding, extent of the damage and likelihood of infection. Laparoscopic surgery may be required to repair tearing. It is very important for a horse to receive immediate veterinary attention.

Prognosis

Unfortunately, the outlook is poor in many cases of rectal bleeding, especially if fecal contamination is present. If the the injury is more superficial and not deep in the rectum, the outlook is much better but must be monitored closely.

References

• The Horse: Bleeding from the Rectum
• American College of Veterinary Surgeons: Equine Laparoscopy