Medical management of a full-thickness tear of the retroperitoneal portion of the rectum in a horse with hyperadrenocorticism.

A 30-year-old Morgan-Quarter Horse gelding with hyperadrenocorticism was referred for treatment of a full-thickness tear of the retroperitoneal portion of the rectum. In older horses, the caudal end of the peritoneal space may be farther cranial than is commonly thought. Thus, there is a greater chance that full-thickness rectal tears will involve the retroperitoneal, rather than the peritoneal, portion of the rectum. This horse had a quick recovery and good outcome, despite underlying hyperadrenocorticism that would be expected to impair healing. Although relatively little is known about management and prognosis of full-thickness tears of the retroperitoneal portion of the rectum, results in this horse suggest that medical management may be appropriate.