Page 2339 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

Rectal Palpation 1157.e3

• The anal sacs can be emptied by gently Pearls ○ Distal colonic/rectal polyps or intraluminal
squeezing between the finger and thumb • Dogs usually object more to the tail being ○ Extraluminal compression (e.g.,
masses
VetBooks.ir the opening in the anus. The nondominant after the finger is in the anus, let go of healed pelvic fracture, prostatomegaly,
held up than the finger in the rectum;
from the ventral aspect of the sac toward
hand or the other fingers can be used to cover
lymphadenomegaly)
the tail.
the anus to collect the soft and malodorous
material removed from the sacs. • Within several weeks of castration, the pros- ○ Sublumbar lymphadenopathy
○ Thickened/cobblestone/friable mucosa
tate of neutered male dogs should become
• The gloved finger is removed, and the glove small or undetectable on palpation. ○ Urethral calculi or mass
is examined for blood; the gloved finger can • Characteristics of the prostate to note: ○ Anal sac disorders (e.g., impacted, tumor,
be rolled on a microscope slide for cytologic ○ Size (relative to the dog’s size but should abscess)
exam if warranted. not greatly impinge on lumen of the distal ○ Perianal hernia or fistula
colon) ○ Parasites (e.g., tapeworms)
Postprocedure ○ Symmetry (should be bilobed, with each ○ Hematochezia
Gentle cleaning of the anus or use of deodorant lobe of equal size) ○ Foreign material, including lodged objects
sprays are useful if the fur becomes fouled after ○ Texture (should be uniform and firm but such as bone fragments
expression of the anal sacs not hard; fluctuant areas may suggest ○ If cytologic exam is completed, abnor- Procedures and Techniques
abscess) malities may include inflammatory cells,
Alternatives and Their ○ Mobility (should move slightly from side parasite ova or cysts, or an overabundance
Relative Merits to side with pressure; cancer may result of a single type of microbe
No alternative provides the same information in a fixed prostate)
as rectal palpation. Imaging studies (ultrasound ○ Pain (discomfort suggests inflammation) AUTHOR: Leah A. Cohn, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
EDITOR: Mark S. Thompson, DVM, DABVP
or radiographs) can allow visualization of an • Possible abnormal findings on rectal exam
enlarged prostate or may detect caudal abdomi- include but are not limited to:
nal mass. Ultrasound is difficult in the bony ○ Lack of anal tone
confines of the pelvis. ○ Distal colonic/rectal stricture or diverticula

www.ExpertConsult.com