Subsequent colic syndrome due to perirectal abscess in an equine model – Case report
Authors: G. C. Góss, C. Rodrigues, Ricardo Pozzobon, R. S. Prestes, Inácio Manassi da Conceição Brandolt, I. R. Machado, B. Scheffel, Gustavo José Klaus, C. A. Duarte
Journal: Medicina Veterinária (UFRPE)
Summary
# Editorial Summary Colic remains the leading cause of emergency presentation in equine practice, yet atypical aetiologies such as perirectal abscess are rarely documented in the literature. This case report describes a small colon impaction that developed secondary to a perirectal abscess within the pelvic musculature, presenting the characteristic signs of colic including abdominal pain, abnormal physiological parameters, dyskinesia and tenesmus. Though surgical intervention was deemed necessary, the horse deteriorated during anaesthetic induction, with necropsy ultimately revealing the abscess located adjacent to the terminal rectum—a diagnosis that had not been confirmed ante-mortem. The difficulty in establishing the diagnosis highlights the critical importance of pursuing advanced imaging and diagnostic techniques (such as rectal ultrasound, CT or MRI) when clinical signs and standard examinations do not align with uncomplicated impaction patterns, particularly when horses fail to respond to conservative management. Recognition of perirectal abscess as a differential diagnosis for small colon obstruction may enable earlier intervention and improved prognostic outcomes in future cases, underscoring the value of thorough diagnostic workup in equine colic presentations with atypical features.
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Practical Takeaways
- •When investigating colic cases with small colon impaction that don't respond to standard treatment, consider perirectal or pelvic abscesses as a differential diagnosis using ultrasound or rectal examination
- •Extraluminal obstructions from abscesses require surgical intervention; medical management alone is insufficient
- •This rare presentation emphasizes the value of thorough diagnostic workup including complementary imaging before committing to surgical management
Key Findings
- •Perirectal abscess in pelvic musculature can cause secondary small colon impaction presenting with colic signs
- •Complementary diagnostic imaging is essential for identifying extraluminal obstructions as a cause of colic
- •Necropsy revealed abscess adjacent to terminal rectum as the underlying cause of small colon impaction