The veterinarians perform physical examinations of pets in their way. They conduct several tests to know the present health condition of the pet. They examine the organ system as well. But whatever they do, they perform a rectal examination at the end. Rectal examination is important for every dog.
It is an effective medium to collect all important and necessary information, and this helps veterinarian doctors to diagnose in a better way. Here in this content, you will learn about why the rectal examination is an excellent way to know the present health conditions of dogs.
Fecal Examination
With rectal examination, a veterinarian can collect feces samples. A feces examination is vital for a pet suffering from various gastrointestinal symptoms such as weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea etc. this examination proves very effective.
Helpful for Examining the Rectal Wall
The veterinarians examine the inner lining of the rectum to determine whether it is rougher, thicker or drier. These types of conditions are related to inflammatory bowel disease, cancer like serious disease, any kind of infection etc.
Helpful for Examining the Anal Tone
Pets like dogs can hold their anal closed normally, and this largely depends on the functionality of health and nerves and other muscles around the area. During the rectal examination, the veterinarians assess the anal tone of a dog which is basically termed as tightness. Anything abnormal is associated with nerve-related diseases and injuries.
Helpful for Examining the Anal glands
There are mainly two anal glands are located on each side of a pet’s anus. These types of glands produce a kind of smelly liquid that a dog releases during defecation. The anal glands may get infected, distended or rupture if such contents are not released adequately. The anal glands examination can be done correctly with the help of a rectal examination.
Helpful in Assessing the Prostate Glands in Males
The problem of prostate glands is quite common in male dogs. Those who are intact male dogs develop enlarged prostate glands and are more susceptible to prostate cancer. The veterinarian examines the condition of prostate glands through rectal examination.
Helpful in Examining the Vaginal Tract in Females
The reproductive tracts of female dogs can be assessed through rectal examination. If any abnormality is noticed, the veterinarians perform a kind of vaginal examination along with other tests that prove helpful for their diagnosis.
Evaluate the Condition of the Urethra
The urethra is basically a kind of tube which carries urine out of the body. Sometimes, this tube gets infected, inflamed and blocked by small stones or other debris in the urinary tract. Any kind of abnormality can easily be noticed through rectal examination.
Helpful for Examining the Pelvis
For examining the condition of the pelvis, rectal examination proves very much helpful. If a pet is injured, it can easily be identified through this examination. Veterinarians can identify whether the bones are aligned normally or not. Sometimes the pelvis of dogs gets injured after being hit by a car.
This is an excellent way to assess the condition of pets. To ensure the safety of dogs inside your property, you can choose to install an invisible fence around your property. It will not only create a boundary line but also ensure the safety of your furry friend.
Helpful in Examining Lymph Nodes
The veterinarians can evaluate the condition of lymph nodes which are located just below a pet’s pelvis. Through rectal examination, the assessment of lymph nodes can easily be performed. Enlargement of lymph nodes is a sign of infection, cancer and other problems that adversely affect the glands and nearby body parts.
Evaluate the Condition of Abnormal Masses
During the rectal examination, the veterinarians assess if they can feel any abnormal masses in any structures, including the rectal wall, anus, anal glands, urethra, pelvis, reproductive tract and lymph nodes. Abnormality of masses is a clear sign of infection, cancer, inflammation and anatomic abnormalities.
Most of the veterinarians perform a rectal examination at the end of the physical examination. This examination is very useful for dogs and cats. If you are a pet owner, make sure your dog’s rectal examination is performed from time to time.
If your puppy is too small or aggressive, sedation can make the process of rectal examination smooth and pleasant because performing such tests while they are aware may create problems. A sedative can be provided immediately if a pet needs a rectal examination. It helps diagnose health problems.
Therefore, these are why rectal examination has been made compulsory for dogs. Every dog must undergo this process to assess its present health condition. If any kind of abnormality is noticed in their behavior, this test proves helpful in diagnosing the problem.
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