VSR 421: Regional Veterinary Surgery (2+1)

PARALYSIS OF RECTUM

• Most common in the horse and dog; Rare in ruminants.
• Frequently associated with paralysis of the tail, or the bladder and hind limbs

Etiology

• Lesions of the spinal cord or nerves supplying the rectum
• Fractures and severe injuries of the sacrum, tumours of the sacral region
• Toxins of infectious diseases such as strangles
• Old age
• Paralysis may be complete or incomplete

Symptoms

• Distended rectal walls
• Accumulation of faeces
• Inability of the animal to expel faeces
• Colic symptoms
• The tail is limp and powerless
• Anus is open

Prognosis

• Usually unfavourable.

Treatment

• Use of nervine tonics