Introduction

Rectal prolapse can occur in both dogs and cats. The diagnosis is straightforward due to the appearance of mucosa extending from the anus (Figure 33.1). A partial prolapse (anal prolapse) is extrusion of only mucosal tissue and is typically quite short in length, while a complete prolapse involves all layers of the rectum being exteriorized. The alternative differential is protrusion of an intussusception. These two conditions can be discerned by palpation alongside the prolapsed tissue and the anus by a blunt lubricated probe; if it passes easily, it is an intussusception, whereas a rectal prolapse will not have any space to probe in that location.

Indications/Pre‐op Considerations

Prolapse of the rectum occurs to excessive straining to urinate or defecate with or without underlying anatomic defects. Causes of tenesmus include but are not limited to gastrointestinal parasitism, tumors in the lower gastrointestinal tract, perineal herniation, and inflammatory conditions of the colon, rectum, or anal sphincter. There are isolated reports of colonic duplication in both dogs and cats with rectal prolapse being a consistent clinical sign.^1–3 Diagnosing and addressing the primary problem is critical to ultimate resolution of the rectal prolapse. Intervention is required for any rectal prolapse to avoid devitalization, necrosis, or self‐mutilation. The level of intervention is dependent on duration, severity, and repeated presentation.

Surgical Procedures

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