Rectal Prolapse[1]

            Rectal prolapse is a relatively common occurrence in swine. This is usually secondary to straining to defecate (especially from diarrhea from salmonellosis), or violent coughing secondary to respiratory disease. The prolapsed tissue quickly becomes edematous and hemorrhagic. Trauma can also occur from littermates or other animals in the household. Other factors related to development of a prolapse include genetics, low birth weights, being male, short tails, chronic dehydration, diets containing excess lysine, and the periparturient period in sows.

The prolapse should be carefully cleaned and closely examined to determine if other organs such as the colon, small intestine, or bladder are involved. Local anesthetic or an epidural should be used to anesthetize the perianal region. Light sedation may also be needed, unless a sling or other means of gentle restraint is available and the pig remains calm. If the rectal mucosa is viable and close inspection does not reveal any lacerations, the prolapse should be gently reduced after it is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. A hypertonic solution such as a sugar solution can be applied to help facilitate reduction. A purse-string retention pattern with umbilical tape is placed around the anus. A 1-finger opening should be left in growing pigs, and a 2-finger opening in adults. The purse string should be left in for at least 5 days. It is important to concurrently address the inciting cause of the rectal prolapse to help prevent recurrence.

If the rectal mucosa is too necrotic or damaged to replace, surgical amputation will be needed. Consultation and possible referral are recommended for this in pet pigs. While it can be performed similarly to production swine or cattle, it is not a salvage procedure in pet pigs and the most up to day information on technique should be referenced to help ensure successful recovery and lifespan.