Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is an opening between the rectum and vagina which results in chronic contamination of the vagina with the faecal material. RVF is a relatively common injury sustained during foaling (Jalim and Mckinnon, 2010). Fistula most commonly occurs secondary to dystocia and usually in primiparous mares. These may be caused by foal's nose or more commonly a foot (or both) being forced through the dorsum of the vestibule of vagina into the rectum. Spontaneous retraction or manual replacement of foal's head or extremity into the correct position limits the injury to a RVF, but ifparturition proceeds before correction the result is usually a third degree laceration. Conservative management of RVF may allow them to granulate and close by wound contraction (Colbern et al, 1985); however most will require surgical repair. This paperdescribes a case of successful surgical management of rectovaginal fistula in a mare.
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