The patient did not have tail or anal tone and did not respond to sharp stimulation of skin in the perineal region.
Two grade 1 rectal tears were found during rectal palpation.
Radiographs revealed dislocation of the second (Cd2) and third (Cd3) caudal vertebrae.
The patient was treated with antibiotics, an anti-inflammatory drug and stall confinement.
The ninth caudal vertebra was surgically removed to facilitate closure of skin over the wound.
When the mare was discharged after 7 days of hospitalisation, she had regained partial sensation of the perineum and partial function of the internal and external anal sphincters.
At re-evaluation one year following injury, the mare was able to move her tail laterally and had regained sensation of her perineum and tail; however, she still was unable to lift her tail.
Source: McMaster, M., Munsterman, A. and Albanese, V. (2016), Traumatic coccygeal luxation and distal amputation of the tail of an Appaloosa mare. Equine Veterinary Education, 28: 497–502. doi: 10.1111/eve.12326
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