A 12-year-old thoroughbred mare with no history of systemic illness returned from stud having failed to conceive to natural service. Per rectum examination of the genital tract was performed following sedation with detomidine hydrochloride (Domosedan;Pfizer) at 10 mu g/kg intravenously. The referring veterinary surgeon palpated a distinct circumferential constriction, considered to be a muscular spasm of the rectal wall, but was able to perform a transrectal ultrasonographic examination of the mare's uterus. A small amount of blood was present on the plastic glove of the examiner following this procedure. Further investigation with a non-gloved hand revealed a ventral rectal tear, although the full extent of the damage was not ascertained. The mare was immediately referred to the Equine Referral Hospital at the Royal Veterinary College.
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