Archive Case #239: Swine Rectal Prolapse

Clinical Clues

1. A growing pig is examined after keepers notice a red tubular mass protruding from its anus.
2. The exposed tissue is moist and swollen, and the pig strains intermittently.
3. Several pen mates have been coughing, but no specific cause of this pig's straining has been established.
4. The mass emerges through the anal opening and has a continuous ring of rectal mucosa at its base.
5. A lubricated blunt probe cannot pass deeply between the protruding tissue and the inner rectal wall, arguing against a prolapsed intussusception.
6. The anatomical finding is swine rectal prolapse; coughing or bowel disease may be contributors but are not proven here.

Diagnosis

Swine Rectal Prolapse

The circumferential continuity of rectal tissue with the anal margin and absence of a deep plane beside the mass support swine rectal prolapse. A protruding ileocolic intussusception can look similar but permits a probe to pass between the mass and rectal wall. Coughing and tenesmus are possible contributors, not established causes in this pig. Remember: A red mass at a pig's anus needs an anatomical check; distinguish rectal prolapse from an intussusception before investigating why straining occurred.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.