Rectal Examination

A rectal exam consists of inserting an arm (often covered with a plastic sleeve and glove) in the rectum of the animal. This is done to push urine from the bladder, check for pregnancy, detect a uterine infection or check for loops of intestine that are blocked or distended with too much gas. Technicians use this same procedure for artificial insemination of an animal. Rectal examination takes supervised practice to learn well. WARNING: If done improperly, a rectal examination can lead to a punctured rectum and death, especially in horses. Therefore, this procedure is usually done only by a veterinarian or a trained technician.