Perirectal abscess in a Warmblood gelding

Abstract

A 7 year old gray Warmblood gelding presented with a three day history of intermittent fevers, inappetence and colic after being imported from Germany. On initial presentation a mild pneumonia/pleuropneumonia triggered by shipping was suspected as well as an unidentified colon impaction. Initially the gelding responded well to medical management of the pneumonia and impaction. A few days after presentation, the gelding showed signs of dyschezia. An extraluminal mass was detected on rectal palpation, ultrasonography and aspiration confirmed it to be a perirectal abscess. The abscess was surgically drained and the gelding recovered well.