Colic due to dorsally located perirectal abscesses: A retrospective case series of six horses

Perirectal abscesses have only rarely been reported in horses. This case series describes the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of six horses with this condition. The equids affected were geldings or stallions various breeds aged from 4 months to 21 years (median age 10 months). Typical signs included colic tachycardia, tenesmus, dyschezia abdominal distension. diagnosis was obtained by transrectal palpation ultrasonographic examination five median laparotomy one horse. All located dorsally rectum. Rectal impaction large colon tympany common secondary findings. Microbiologic abscess content revealed Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus all Abscesses treated a combination medical surgical approaches. One horse had be euthanised due complete obstruction pelvis abscess. In other (5/6), disorder associated an excellent prognosis. terms total population presenting investigated period, prevalence cases perirectal 0.4%. Although uncommon, described indicate that should considered as differential for young mature signs.