Journal of Fisheries & Livestock Production
Open Access

Rectal prolapse is protrusion of one or more layers of the rectum through the anus [1]. It may occur in animals of any age, breed, or sex [2]. In cattle, the condition may be a result of any disease that causes tenesmus [3] including diarrhoea, rectal neoplasia, severe enteritis and endoparasitic infestation [4], elevations in intra-abdominal pressure during parturition or episodes of coughing [5]. Based upon the involving layer of rectum, rectal prolapse divided into incomplete or type I where prolapse involves the rectal mucosa and sub mucosa only, appearing as a large soft tissue mass swelling at the rectum [6] and complete or type II where entire rectum stick out from anus. Excessive peristalsis due to periodic increase in muscular tone brings about pain of spasmodic nature [7]. When the prolapse cannot be corrected manually due to inflammation, ulceration and necrosis, surgical amputation or resection of exposed tissue may be required. In the present case increased peristalsis cause interruption of normal innervations of the external anal sphincter which resulted into type I prolapse and successfully corrected without any surgical intervention.

Case history and observation

2 years old crossbred cattle was presented to a animal health camp held on Burdhaman district in West Bengal state (India) with a history of elongated cylindrical mass protruding through the rectum (Figure 1). Owner reported that the problem was occurred since 12 hours. On clinical examination it was found that there was congested mucous, membranes, mild hypothermia (102.8°F), pulse and respiratory rates were all within the reference values. Also, the animal has maintained a normal appetite. Closed examination of protruding elongated mass through the anus the case was diagnosed as type I (or incomplete) rectal prolapse.

Figure 1: Type I rectal prolapse before treatment.

Treatment and discussion

The prognosis depends on the severity of the case, degree of damage and contamination, duration of its existence or how quick it is attempted with suitable treatment. In the present case before correcting the prolapsed mass epidural anaesthesia was done by 4 ml of 2% Lignocaine injection in the first intercoccygeal space to restraint the animal properly. Prolapsed mass cleaned with diluted solution of Luke warm 2% potassium permanganate solution. After applying 50 gm sugar granules on the mass, the prolapse was manually replaced by gently force. Several studies [8, 9, 10] supports this indigenous method to correct the type I rectal prolapse manually. Sugar creates an environment where the solute concentration is greater on the exterior of the rectal tissues than inside of the cells that make up these tissues. As per laws of osmosis, water will passively move out of the rectal tissues and across the cell membrane. The cell wall is impermeable to sugar due to its stable and complex nature. This results in the shrinkage of cells and helps to reduce swelling. In addition to using sugar, long acting antibiotic injection enrofloxacin (Fortivir® @ 5 mg/kg B. Wt.) intramuscularly was given to prevent infections and injection meloxicam (Melonex® @ 0.2 mg/kg B. Wt.) intramuscularly was given to reduce discomfort due to pain. It was also advised to give easily digestible feed for avoiding the problems during defecation. As there was no history of diarrhoea or straining perse-string suture was not necessary in that case. The present case was managed successfully by this therapy (Figure 2) and no reoccurrence of prolapse was reported later.

Figure 2: After correction of prolapse.

Conclusion

Based upon the current study it can be concluded that indigenous method is effective for correction of type I or incomplete rectal prolapse without involving any suturing or surgical intervention.

Acknowledgement

The authors are thankful to Director, Block Livestock Development Officer (BLDO) of Burdhaman District for providing ample facilities to conduct the current work and Livestock Development Assistant (LDA) for working as helping hand.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

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